CP Radhakrishnan Triumphs in Vice Presidential Election
Context:
- On 9 September 2025, CP Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India.
- He defeated Justice B. Sudershan Reddy with a significant victory margin of 452 votes against 300.
- The election saw an over 98% turnout of MPs, reflecting the importance of this constitutional post.
About CP Radhakrishnan – 15th Vice President of India
Personal Background:
- Date of Birth: 20 October 1957
- Place of Birth: Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu
- Previous Roles: Governor of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, with additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry
Political and Public Career Highlights:
- Two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore
- Former BJP Tamil Nadu President
- Chairman of Coir Board (2016–2020), achieving record export growth
- In-charge of BJP Kerala (2020–2022)
- Active sports enthusiast and represented India in international delegations
Office of the Vice President of India
Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 63: Establishes the Vice President as the second-highest constitutional authority in India.
- Article 64: Serves as ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha; cannot hold any other office of profit.
- Article 65: Acts as President in case of death, resignation, removal, or incapacity of the President until a new election is conducted (within six months).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of India
- Minimum age: 35 years
- Must be qualified for election as a Rajya Sabha member
- Cannot hold any office of profit under Union, State, or local authority (except as Vice President, Governor, or Union/State Minister)
Key Features:
- Tenure: 5 years; continues until successor assumes office
- Vacancy & Removal: Can resign to the President; removal requires Rajya Sabha resolution agreed by Lok Sabha with 14-day notice
- Acting President: Assumes all powers, privileges, and emoluments of the President during absence or vacancy
- Chairperson Role: Presides over Rajya Sabha debates, ensures order; votes only in case of tie
Conclusion:
- The election of CP Radhakrishnan reinforces the constitutional framework of India’s democracy.
- His extensive experience in governance and politics is expected to enhance the functioning of parliamentary proceedings and maintain institutional stability.
Source : THE TIMES OF INDIA
