CP Radhakrishnan: India’s New Vice President
NDA nominee and Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has emerged victorious in the vice-presidential elections, securing an impressive 452 first preference votes. His main opponent, Justice Sudershan Reddy, managed to obtain 300 votes. The event saw the participation of 315 opposition MPs, signifying strong interest and turnout.
Election Highlights
The vice-presidential elections stretched from 10 AM until 5 PM, with counting commencing at 6 PM. Presently, Parliament consists of 781 members, combining both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Notably, 13 MPs abstained from voting, including representatives from the Biju Janata Dal, Bharath Rashtra Samithi, Shiromani Akali Dal, and one independent member.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders were among the first to cast their votes, showcasing the importance of this significant event in India’s parliamentary history.
CP Radhakrishnan’s Journey
Described as soft-spoken and non-confrontational, CP Radhakrishnan was Maharashtra’s Governor before his nomination for the Vice Presidency. A seasoned politician, he served two terms as Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s prime ministerial tenure. Despite nearing a Union ministerial post, he narrowly missed the opportunity due to party dynamics.
Radhakrishnan has built a reputation as an untainted leader, known for his rich political and administrative background. His experiences span across holding various legislative and gubernatorial roles, often focusing on addressing pressing citizen concerns.
Leadership and Vision
Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have lauded Radhakrishnan’s sagacity and his deep-rooted understanding of governance. His time as governor exposed him to the challenges faced by common citizens, ensuring he possesses comprehensive knowledge of legislative and constitutional affairs. Such expertise is anticipated to elevate the standards of the vice president’s office and contribute meaningfully to the role of Rajya Sabha chairman.
Radhakrishnan’s parliamentary interventions have consistently demonstrated incisiveness and clarity. His commitment to marginalized communities and parliamentary democracy promises a tenure focused on service, inclusion, and the upholding of constitutional integrity.
Conclusion
CP Radhakrishnan steps into his new role as India’s 15th Vice President of India with a wealth of experience and a strong reputation for integrity. Esteemed by leaders and the public alike, his ascendance marks a new chapter in India’s parliamentary leadership, bringing renewed hope for dedicated service and progressive governance.
India’s Vice Presidents from independence till now:
| S. No. | Name | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 1952 – 1962 |
| 2 | Dr. Zakir Husain | 1962 – 1967 |
| 3 | Varahagiri Venkata Giri (V. V. Giri) | 1967 – 1969 |
| 4 | Gopal Swarup Pathak | 1969 – 1974 |
| 5 | Basappa Danappa Jatti | 1974 – 1979 |
| 6 | Mohammad Hidayatullah | 1979 – 1984 |
| 7 | Ramaswamy Venkataraman | 1984 – 1987 |
| 8 | Shankar Dayal Sharma | 1987 – 1992 |
| 9 | K. R. Narayanan | 1992 – 1997 |
| 10 | Krishan Kant | 1997 – 2002 |
| 11 | Bhairon Singh Shekhawat | 2002 – 2007 |
| 12 | Mohammad Hamid Ansari | 2007 – 2017 |
| 13 | M. Venkaiah Naidu | 2017 – 2022 |
| 14 | Jagdeep Dhankhar | 2022 – 2025 |
Source: mint, wikipedia