The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured a significant victory as its candidate, CP Radhakrishnan, was elected the 15th Vice President of India, defeating the INDIA bloc’s B Sudershan Reddy. Radhakrishnan, a former Maharashtra Governor and a two-time MP from Tamil Nadu, won with a decisive 452 votes against Reddy’s 300. The outcome, with a 152-vote margin, has highlighted a notable divide within the Opposition’s ranks, suggesting instances of cross-voting.
The election, which saw a high turnout of 98.2 percent, followed the surprising resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. While the NDA’s numerical advantage was clear, the final vote count for the Opposition was higher than their leaders had anticipated, pointing to a lack of cohesion.
Radhakrishnan, known for his experience as a grassroots leader and his time as a parliamentarian, will now serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His win is particularly significant for the BJP’s political ambitions in southern India, with his Tamilian background expected to give a strong impetus to the party’s campaign ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Following his defeat, B Sudershan Reddy graciously accepted the verdict, while emphasizing the continuation of a larger “ideological battle.”
