A Vacancy at the Top
By: Javid Amin | 08 September 2025
India stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey as Members of Parliament gather in Vasudha Hall, Parliament House on September 3, 2025, to elect the 15th Vice President of the Republic of India.
The election was triggered by the sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health concerns. Dhankhar’s departure left not only the Vice Presidential office vacant but also the Chair of the Rajya Sabha—a position crucial for steering debates, ensuring order, and arbitrating between government and opposition in a polarized Parliament.
Two high-profile contenders are now vying for this constitutional role: CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA’s nominee and Governor of Maharashtra, and Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, the INDIA bloc’s pick and a former Supreme Court judge.
Meet the Candidates: Contrasting Backgrounds
CP Radhakrishnan: The BJP Loyalist with RSS Roots
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Age: 71
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Current Role: Governor of Maharashtra
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Political Journey: Former Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), long-time BJP leader, and a veteran with strong RSS affiliations.
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Strengths:
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Decades of organizational work in the BJP.
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Deep loyalty to the party’s ideological core.
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Administrative experience as Governor.
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Positioning: A safe, loyal, and reliable choice for the ruling NDA, ensuring the Rajya Sabha’s functioning remains aligned with government priorities.
Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy: The Legal Mind from Andhra Pradesh
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Age: 75
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Background: Former Supreme Court judge, remembered for his landmark rulings on black money, constitutional morality, and civil liberties.
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Strengths:
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Reputation for independence and integrity.
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Appeal to INDIA bloc’s narrative of checks-and-balances against executive dominance.
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Seen as a non-politician who brings neutrality to a political office.
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Positioning: A symbolic choice, reinforcing INDIA bloc’s image as defenders of constitutionalism and parliamentary balance.
Election Mechanics: How the Vice President is Elected
The Vice President is elected through an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha).
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Electoral College Strength: 781 MPs
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Majority Mark: 391 votes
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Polling Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Counting Begins: 6:00 PM, with results expected late tonight
The election is conducted by secret ballot, allowing MPs to vote independently of party whip. This opens the possibility of cross-voting, which both alliances are watching closely.
Numbers Game: NDA’s Edge vs. INDIA Bloc’s Hope
The Arithmetic
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NDA’s Strength: ~422 MPs (comfortably above majority mark)
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INDIA Bloc’s Strength: ~324 MPs
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Others/Independents: ~35 MPs
The NDA clearly holds the numerical advantage. However, the INDIA bloc is betting on cross-voting, dissent within smaller NDA allies, and support from independents to narrow the gap.
Why Cross-Voting Matters
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In past Vice Presidential elections, cross-voting has surprised both government and opposition.
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Secret ballot empowers MPs to vote on conscience rather than party line.
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Even if it doesn’t alter the result, the margin of victory will indicate the strength or weakness of political alliances.
Editorial Insight: Beyond the Predictable
While the NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan is widely expected to win, the 2025 Vice Presidential election carries symbolic weight and strategic significance.
1. Opposition Unity Under Test
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The INDIA bloc, despite being numerically disadvantaged, sees this contest as a trial run for 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
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Justice Reddy’s candidacy is about sending a message—that the opposition values constitutional morality and judicial integrity.
2. NDA’s Strategy: Stability and Control
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By fielding Radhakrishnan, the NDA prioritizes loyalty, predictability, and control of Rajya Sabha proceedings.
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The Vice President’s role as Chairperson is critical in managing contentious legislation, especially when the opposition is combative.
3. Rajya Sabha Dynamics
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The Vice President decides on disruptions, motions, and procedural disputes.
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A sympathetic Chair helps the ruling party push bills smoothly, while a neutral or assertive Chair can give opposition space.
4. Political Realignment Watch
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Independent MPs, smaller parties like YSRCP, BJD, and independents could reveal shifting allegiances.
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Even a handful of unexpected votes could indicate future coalition fluidity.
Historical Context: Vice Presidential Elections in India
The Vice Presidency has often been more than a ceremonial role. Past elections offer insights:
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1969: Gopal Swarup Pathak became the first non-Congress VP, reflecting India’s changing politics.
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1992: K.R. Narayanan’s victory paved the way for his later election as President.
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2017: Venkaiah Naidu’s win consolidated BJP’s grip on Parliament.
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2022: Jagdeep Dhankhar’s election came amid debates on judicial independence.
The 2025 election continues this tradition of political signaling through constitutional office.
Possible Scenarios: Reading the Outcome
Scenario 1: Comfortable NDA Victory
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CP Radhakrishnan secures ~420+ votes.
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Message: NDA dominance remains intact, INDIA bloc yet to prove strength.
Scenario 2: Narrower Margin than Expected
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Radhakrishnan wins, but with 390–400 votes.
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Message: Opposition unity and hidden dissent within NDA allies are real.
Scenario 3: Shock Upset (Unlikely)
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Justice Reddy wins through massive cross-voting.
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Message: A political earthquake, weakening NDA ahead of 2029.
Most analysts lean toward Scenario 1, but Scenario 2 would still be a symbolic victory for the opposition.
Bigger Picture: Why This Election Matters
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Democratic Vibrancy
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Even in predictable contests, elections keep democracy alive by offering choice, debate, and accountability.
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Opposition’s Roadmap
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Justice Reddy’s campaign reflects INDIA bloc’s attempt to project itself as defenders of constitutionalism.
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Rajya Sabha’s Future
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The Vice President’s role will be decisive in the next five years, especially on contentious bills, constitutional amendments, and opposition protests.
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Political Messaging
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Margins matter. The difference between a landslide and a narrow win could shape political narratives for years.
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Bottom-Line: A Contest Beyond the Numbers
The Vice Presidential election of 2025 is not just about who wins the chair, but about what the contest represents.
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For the NDA, it is about stability, loyalty, and parliamentary control.
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For the INDIA bloc, it is about symbolism, resistance, and constitutional checks.
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For the Indian voter, it is a reminder that every election, big or small, is a test of democratic balance.
When the results are announced tonight, CP Radhakrishnan may well be declared India’s 15th Vice President. But Justice Sudershan Reddy’s candidacy ensures this election will be remembered as more than a one-sided affair—it will be seen as a marker of India’s ongoing battle between executive power and constitutional restraint.
