C P Radhakrishnan’s Win as Vice-President Marks BJP’s Strategic Move

BJP secures Vice-President post with C P Radhakrishnan, reinforcing its OBC outreach.

Vice-Presidential elections in India usually pass without much attention, but this year’s contest was different. With C P Radhakrishnan’s victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) not only retained control of the Vice-President’s office but also made a symbolic political statement.

Just weeks ago, the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar midway through his term had created an unprecedented situation. Although Dhankhar cited health reasons, speculation of differences with the government dominated headlines. His exit raised concerns about possible discontent within the ruling party.

Radhakrishnan’s election, however, shifted the narrative. A leader from the OBC Gounder community in Tamil Nadu, his elevation strengthens the BJP’s ongoing outreach to socially influential groups. With President Droupadi Murmu, an Adivasi leader, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also from an OBC background, India’s three top constitutional positions now reflect significant social representation.

While Opposition nominee Justice B Sudershan Reddy urged MPs to “vote with conscience,” Radhakrishnan positioned himself as a voice of nationalism. Speculation of cross-voting against the ruling alliance was rife, but the results told a different story. Radhakrishnan secured 452 first-preference votes, while Reddy managed 300, with 15 votes declared invalid.

For the BJP, this victory reinforces its narrative of inclusive representation and sends a signal of unity within the NDA, despite recent speculation of internal strains. The real test ahead will be whether the party can build further momentum from this strategic win, especially in southern India.