C. P. Radhakrishnan Becomes Vice-President: BJP’s Big Symbolic Victory, But Can It Turn Into Real Power?

New Delhi, September 10, 2025 — India has a new Vice-President. On September 9, 2025, senior BJP leader C. P. Radhakrishnan was elected to the post. He won with a strong margin against the opposition’s candidate, retired Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy.

The result is more than just a routine election. For the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), this is a moment of celebration. It is also a political message to the rest of the country. By choosing Radhakrishnan, a leader from Tamil Nadu and a member of the OBC Gounder community, BJP has sent out a clear signal of its ambitions. The big question is: can the party build on this momentum or will this remain a symbolic win?

How the Election Played Out

The Vice-President’s post became vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned in July due to health reasons. A high-stakes election was quickly set up. On September 9, MPs from both Houses of Parliament cast their votes in a secret ballot.

The turnout was massive. Out of 781 MPs, 767 voted. This showed how important the election was for both the ruling NDA and the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc.

Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes. His rival Sudershan Reddy received 300 votes. The margin of 152 votes was wider than what BJP leaders expected. Reports suggest that there was cross-voting in favor of Radhakrishnan. Some opposition MPs quietly backed him, showing BJP’s hidden influence across party lines.

With this win, Radhakrishnan becomes India’s 15th Vice-President. He will also serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, which makes him central to how Parliament functions.

Who is C. P. Radhakrishnan?

Radhakrishnan is not new to politics. He started his journey in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a young volunteer. Later, he joined the BJP and built his career from the ground level.

He served as a Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, for two terms. In 1998, he defeated veteran DMK leader R. Doraisamy to enter the Lok Sabha for the first time. In 1999, he was re-elected.

Radhakrishnan is known for his simple lifestyle and his long years of organizational work. He was appointed Governor of Jharkhand in 2021. He also briefly held additional charge as Governor of Telangana. During his tenure, he earned praise for staying away from controversy and keeping a calm image.

Now, as Vice-President, he steps into the second-highest constitutional post in India.

Why This Win Matters for BJP

1. OBC Outreach

Radhakrishnan belongs to the Gounder community, which is categorized as Other Backward Class (OBC). BJP has been working hard to expand its OBC base, not just in North India but also in the South. His victory shows that the party wants to highlight inclusiveness and give representation to diverse groups.

2. South India Connection

BJP has been struggling in Tamil Nadu and other southern states. By elevating a Tamil leader to such a high constitutional post, the party hopes to send a message that it values the South. This is part of a long-term plan to grow in regions where the party is still weak.

3. Strength in Parliament

As Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan will play a big role in maintaining order during debates. The BJP and NDA often face a tough time in the Upper House where numbers are tight. A Vice-President seen as fair, calm, and efficient could help reduce tensions and improve the image of the ruling side.

4. Victory Beyond Numbers

The margin of victory is important. With 152 votes more than the opposition, BJP showed it could draw support from unexpected quarters. This builds the impression that the party remains the central pole of Indian politics.

Reactions from Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Radhakrishnan’s win. He called it a victory of “nationalistic ideology” and said the new Vice-President will work with dedication for the dream of a Developed India by 2047.

Radhakrishnan himself struck a humble tone. He thanked lawmakers across parties and said he would work to strengthen democracy. He stressed that both ruling and opposition benches must cooperate for the nation’s progress.

In Tamil Nadu, BJP leaders celebrated the win as a boost to the party’s profile. Leaders in Maharashtra, including Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, also congratulated him. Across states, BJP allies praised the victory as a moment of pride.

The Road Ahead: Can BJP Build on This?

While the victory is impressive, the bigger challenge for BJP is to convert symbolism into results.

1. Expanding in Tamil Nadu and South India

BJP’s footprint in Tamil Nadu remains small. The Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK, dominate. Radhakrishnan’s elevation gives BJP a talking point. But winning the hearts of Tamil voters requires patient ground work, better alliances, and sensitivity to regional identity.

2. Sustaining OBC Confidence

An OBC Vice-President sends a powerful signal. Yet voters judge not just symbols but also policies. BJP must continue welfare measures, create jobs, and address inequalities. Only then will OBC communities see the party as their long-term choice.

3. Managing Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha often witnesses noisy clashes. As Chairman, Radhakrishnan has the tough task of ensuring discipline. If he earns respect from both sides, it will improve BJP’s standing. If not, the role could turn into a battleground.

4. Balancing Symbolism and Delivery

Radhakrishnan’s rise is historic. But BJP must show progress on core issues like farmers’ welfare, inflation control, education, and healthcare. If governance lags, symbolic wins may not translate into electoral advantage.

5. Handling the Opposition

The I.N.D.I.A. bloc tried to project Sudershan Reddy as a strong, non-political candidate. Though they lost, the opposition remains vocal. BJP needs to engage, debate, and build consensus instead of only relying on majority power.

What This Means for Indian Politics

The election tells us three things:

1. BJP remains the dominant force in national politics. Even in a contest meant to test parliamentary strength, the ruling party won comfortably.
2. OBC politics is the new center stage. Both BJP and opposition are trying to woo these groups. Radhakrishnan’s rise proves how crucial these communities have become.
3. South India is the next big battlefield. With Karnataka in its pocket and Telangana improving, BJP’s next goal is Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Vice-President’s election is part of this long game.

Conclusion

C. P. Radhakrishnan’s election as Vice-President is historic for him and symbolic for BJP. It shows the party’s confidence, its reach beyond Hindi-heartland states, and its attempt to connect with OBC groups and southern voters.

But history tells us that symbolic victories fade if not backed by real change. For BJP, the true test lies in everyday governance, building trust in difficult regions, and keeping Parliament functional.

Radhakrishnan now carries the responsibility of guiding the Rajya Sabha with fairness and dignity. For BJP, his victory is a chance to score not just a point but a goal in the larger political game. Whether they succeed depends on what they do from here.