C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected as India’s 15th Vice President
GK & Current Affairs for CLAT | CLAT Current Affairs 2026
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Introduction
The office of the Vice President of India is one of the most important constitutional positions in the country. Apart from being the second-highest executive authority, the Vice President also serves as the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). This makes the Vice President’s role crucial in maintaining parliamentary order and balancing political forces in the Upper House.
In September 2025, Chandrapuramp Ponnusami Radhakrishnan (C.P. Radhakrishnan), a senior BJP leader and RSS veteran, was elected as India’s 15th Vice President, defeating opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy by a significant margin of 152 votes.
For CLAT Current Affairs 2026, this is a vital development. It combines constitutional law, parliamentary politics, and electoral processes. Aspirants preparing with the best online coaching for CLAT or through online coaching for CLAT must understand both the legal framework of the Vice President’s office and the political implications of such elections.
Why in News
- C.P. Radhakrishnan elected as India’s 15th Vice President.
- Defeated B. Sudershan Reddy (opposition candidate) by 152 votes.
- Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes out of 752 valid votes, while Reddy got 300.
- Election saw 15 invalid votes and speculation of cross-voting in opposition ranks.
- NDA had the support of 427 MPs on paper but gained additional backing from smaller parties and YSRCP.
- The result reflects the strength of NDA’s numbers and the weakness of opposition unity.
Point-wise Summary
- The Election Outcome
- Total valid votes polled: 752.
- Radhakrishnan: 452 votes.
- Sudershan Reddy: 300 votes.
- Margin of victory: 152 votes.
- 15 votes declared invalid.
- Support Base
- NDA had 427 MPs on paper.
- Gained additional support from YSRCP’s 11 MPs and some smaller parties.
- Outcome was considered a foregone conclusion in favor of NDA.
- Political Context
- The result strengthens NDA’s position in the Rajya Sabha.
- Opposition bloc’s inability to secure expected numbers shows cross-voting and lack of cohesion.
- Congress called the outcome a moral victory, despite the defeat.
- About C.P. Radhakrishnan
- Age: 67.
- Senior BJP leader with long association with the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh).
- Known as an organizational figure with grassroots connect.
- Significance for NDA
- Consolidates NDA’s dominance in both Houses of Parliament.
- Vice President as Rajya Sabha Chairperson will help the government navigate opposition in the Upper House.
Explanation of Peculiar Terms (Notes)
- Vice President of India:
Second-highest constitutional office in India. Elected for 5 years by an electoral college of MPs. Ex officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha. - Ex officio:
By virtue of holding another office. The Vice President is automatically the Chairperson of Rajya Sabha. - Cross-voting:
When legislators vote against the official line of their party in elections. - Invalid Votes:
Ballots that are rejected due to errors, incorrect marking, or procedural violations. - Electoral College for VP Election:
Comprises elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). Unlike the President’s election, state legislatures are not part of it.
CLAT-Oriented Analysis
- Relevance for CLAT Current Affairs 2026
- Likely to feature in GK, Current Affairs, or Legal Reasoning sections.
- Students must know the procedure of VP elections and the constitutional provisions governing it.
- Legal Dimension
- Governed by Articles 63–71 of the Constitution.
- Election conducted under the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote (STV).
- Disputes regarding the election are adjudicated by the Supreme Court (Article 71).
- Political Implications
- NDA strengthens its control over legislative processes.
- Opposition’s poor performance reflects lack of coordination among parties.
- Highlights the importance of cross-voting and smaller party alliances in high-level elections.
- Possible CLAT Questions
- Who was elected as India’s 15th Vice President in 2025?
- What is the term of office of the Vice President?
- Who presides over the Rajya Sabha?
- What is cross-voting, and how did it affect the 2025 VP election?
- Strategic Importance
- Vice President plays a key role in parliamentary stability.
- Important for NDA’s ability to pass legislation smoothly in Rajya Sabha.
- Strengthens BJP’s political momentum ahead of future elections.
Conclusion
The election of C.P. Radhakrishnan as India’s 15th Vice President is significant both constitutionally and politically. While the result was expected given NDA’s numerical advantage, the scale of victory underscores the weakness of opposition unity and the strategic success of NDA in securing allies.
For CLAT Current Affairs 2026, this event offers lessons on constitutional provisions, electoral politics, and parliamentary functioning. Students preparing with the best online coaching for CLAT or online coaching for CLAT must not only memorize facts but also analyze the implications of such elections on India’s democratic structure.
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