C.P. Radhakrishnan, the candidate nominated by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India.

Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, defeating the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) candidate, former Justice Sudarshan Reddy, who received 300 votes. The victory exceeded the required quota of 377 votes, highlighting the NDA’s parliamentary strength and coalition discipline.

A total of 767 votes were cast, of which 752 were valid and 15 invalid, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The voting took place in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., as confirmed by Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody, the returning officer. Counting of votes began at 6 p.m.

The election saw brisk participation, with 96% of MPs casting their ballots. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to vote, accompanied by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal. Other Union Ministers who voted included Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Nitin Gadkari.

Notable MPs, such as former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda (92), and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also participated. Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, the jailed MP from Baramulla, voted under heightened security arrangements.

Thirteen MPs, including representatives from regional parties such as Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Independents, chose to abstain, citing state-level priorities and a desire to maintain neutrality between the NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc. The opposition claimed that all 315 of its MPs had voted, framing the contest as an “ideological battle.”

Radhakrishnan’s win is being credited to the cohesive strength of the NDA and Prime Minister Modi’s attention to detail, ensuring that every party member understood the voting process.

The Election Commission had notified the polls on August 7, with August 21 set as the last date for filing nominations. After scrutiny on August 22, two valid candidates remained, with no withdrawals by the August 25 deadline.

Radhakrishnan is scheduled to take oath on Wednesday in the presence of the President of India, members of both Houses of Parliament, and other constitutional dignitaries. His five-year tenure will run until 2030, unless a vacancy occurs sooner.

As the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President will preside over the Upper House and act as President of India in the event of a vacancy, as outlined in Articles 67 and 71 of the Constitution.