C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected Vice-President; Congress Extends Wishes

The Indian political landscape witnessed a significant moment on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, as C.P. Radhakrishnan was officially elected as the Vice-President of India. The Congress Party extended its warm wishes to the newly-elected Vice-President and recalled the historic words of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the very first Vice-President of India, emphasizing the importance of democratic values and freedom of opposition in governance.

Congress Recalls Historic Words of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, shared his reflections on the election and highlighted the teachings of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He said that on May 16, 1952, during the first session of the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Radhakrishnan had said:

"I belong to no party, and that means I belong to every party in this House. It shall be my endeavour to uphold the traditions, the highest traditions, of parliamentary democracy and act towards each party with fairness and impartiality with ill-will to none and goodwill to all. A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely, and frankly the policies of the government."

Jairam Ramesh added that Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan had practiced what he preached, both in letter and spirit. The Congress praised the philosophical approach of the first Vice-President and expressed hope that the newly-elected Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan would continue to uphold these democratic values as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

The Vice-Presidential Election: Process and Numbers

The Vice-President of India is elected by a special electoral college. This electoral college includes members of both houses of Parliament – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The voting process is conducted through a secret ballot, and each member’s vote carries equal weight.

In the 2025 election, C.P. Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, secured a decisive victory. He received 452 votes, while the Opposition candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy, received 300 votes. This resulted in a victory margin larger than many had anticipated, confirming the strong support for Mr. Radhakrishnan among the electors.

Congress Reaction to the Election Results

Following the announcement of the results on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Congress expressed mixed sentiments. While congratulating C.P. Radhakrishnan on his victory, the party highlighted the moral and political significance of the election outcome.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge extended his best wishes to the new Vice-President and also expressed sincere gratitude to Justice (retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy for serving as the joint candidate of the Opposition. He praised Mr. Reddy for his spirited and principled fight during the election.

Jairam Ramesh noted that the Opposition had stood united in the election and achieved a respectable performance. He emphasized that Mr. Reddy secured 40% of the total votes, a significant improvement compared to the 26% of votes received by the Opposition in the previous Vice-Presidential election in 2022.

He remarked: "The BJP’s arithmetical victory is really both a moral and political defeat. The ideological battle continues undiminished." This statement reflects the Congress’ view that although the ruling party won the election in numbers, the Opposition has demonstrated cohesion and determination in presenting a united front.

Role of the Vice-President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha

The Vice-President of India serves a dual role: first as the constitutional Deputy to the President, and second as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament. The role of the Chairman is particularly important in maintaining the decorum and functioning of the House. The Chairman is expected to remain impartial, ensure smooth conduct of parliamentary debates, and uphold democratic principles.

By recalling Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s words, Congress underlined the significance of impartiality and respect for opposition voices. The tradition set by Dr. Radhakrishnan has long served as a benchmark for subsequent Vice-Presidents. Congress expressed its hope that the new Vice-President would continue to act with fairness, impartiality, and goodwill toward all members of the House.

Election Highlights

• Winning Candidate: C.P. Radhakrishnan (NDA)

• Votes Secured: 452

• Opposition Candidate: B. Sudershan Reddy

• Votes Secured by Opposition: 300

• Victory Margin: 152 votes

• Significance: Strong mandate, reaffirming NDA’s influence

The election was closely followed by both national media and political observers, given the Vice-President’s constitutional role and the symbolic value of upholding democratic principles in the Rajya Sabha.

Congress Praises Opposition Unity

Congress emphasized that the Opposition’s united stance was notable in the election. By rallying behind a single candidate, the Opposition showed strength and the ability to challenge the ruling party, even if they did not win the majority. Jairam Ramesh highlighted that the Opposition candidate’s performance was significantly better than in the previous election, signaling growing coordination and determination among opposition parties.

This message was also aimed at reminding the ruling party of the importance of democratic engagement and healthy competition in Parliament. The Congress’ statement suggests that despite numerical defeat, the Opposition is committed to continuing its ideological struggle and maintaining democratic accountability.

Reflection on Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s Legacy

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice-President and later the second President, is remembered not only as a philosopher and educationist but also as a symbol of democratic values. His insistence on impartiality, fairness, and respect for dissent has remained a guiding principle for Indian parliamentary practice.

By recalling his statements, the Congress emphasized that the essence of democracy lies in allowing free and fair criticism of government policies. Such values are essential for a vibrant and functional parliamentary system where diverse viewpoints are respected.

As C.P. Radhakrishnan assumes office, he inherits the responsibility of upholding parliamentary traditions, ensuring fair debate, and maintaining the dignity of the Rajya Sabha. Congress’ gesture of extending best wishes reflects respect for the institution and the office, while also reminding all stakeholders of the enduring principles of Indian democracy.

The Vice-President’s term will be closely watched, both for how he manages parliamentary proceedings and for how he embodies the democratic ideals that have been emphasized since India’s first years of independence. Political analysts and citizens alike will observe his leadership style and commitment to impartiality, as these will set the tone for parliamentary functioning in the coming years.