CP Radhakrishnan Elected as Vice President | 10 Sep 2025
Why in News?
CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as India's 15th Vice President, defeating former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy in the election following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
In the election Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, while Reddy garnered 300 votes with a high voting turnout of 98.2%.
CP Radhakrishnan
- He served as the Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra. An agriculturist and industrialist by profession, he is the third leader from Tamil Nadu to hold the position of Vice President.
- He was also a two-term member of the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore.
What are Key Facts About the Vice President (VP) of India?
- About: VP is the second-highest constitutional authority in India, following the President (Article 63).
- Election & Eligibility: Elected by MPs from both Houses of Parliament via proportional representation. The VP must be at least 35 years old, an Indian citizen, and qualified for Rajya Sabha membership.
- Term & Vacancy: Serves a five-year term, with the possibility of continuing until a successor is elected.
- Primary Role: As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- In the President’s absence or vacancy, they act as President (Article 65).
- Removal: Can be removed by a resolution in the Rajya Sabha and approval from the Lok Sabha, with a 14-day notice (Article 67).
Some Unique Facts About Office of Vice President of India
- Only Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1st & 2nd VP, elected unopposed both times) and Mohammad Hamid Ansari (13th & 14th VP, 2007–2017) have served two consecutive terms.
- Apart from S. Radhakrishnan, M. Hidayatullah (7th VP) and Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (9th VP) were also elected unopposed.
- Krishan Kant (10th VP, 1997–2002) was the first and only Vice President to die while in office.
- Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah is the only person in Indian history to have served as Chief Justice of India, Acting President, and Vice President.
