NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan vs INDIA Bloc’s B Sudershan Reddy: The Battle for Vice President of India
The race for India’s next Vice President is heating up, with the NDA nominating CP Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader and former Governor, and the INDIA bloc fielding Justice B Sudershan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge known for his sharp legal acumen. Both candidates bring contrasting backgrounds and ideologies, making the upcoming election a significant moment in Indian politics.
CP Radhakrishnan: The NDA’s Choice
CP Radhakrishnan filed his nomination papers in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Union Ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Nitin Gadkari.
A veteran politician, Radhakrishnan:
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Served as a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore (1998, 1999).
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Held governorship roles in Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and currently Maharashtra.
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Has deep grassroots connections in Tamil Nadu, having begun his journey from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jana Sangh in the 1970s.
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Played key roles in Parliamentary committees, including the investigation of the Stock Exchange Scam.
Prime Minister Modi praised his “dedication, humility, and intellect”, highlighting his long-standing service.
B Sudershan Reddy: INDIA Bloc’s Candidate
On the other side, the opposition has put forward Justice B Sudershan Reddy. His candidature was announced by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, calling it an “ideological battle.”
Key highlights about Sudershan Reddy:
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Served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2007.
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Retired in 2011, after delivering several important judgments safeguarding constitutional values.
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Supported by the Congress, AAP, RJD, and other INDIA bloc allies, he is projected as a defender of democracy, equality, and constitutional rights.
Rahul Gandhi congratulated him, describing him as a “distinguished jurist and champion of justice.”
Constitutional Framework: Who Can Be Vice President?
According to Article 66 of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
Eligibility (Article 66 & 67):
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Must be a citizen of India.
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Minimum age of 35 years.
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Qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
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Must not hold any office of profit under Government of India or State governments.
Powers and Role of the Vice President
The Vice President holds a dual role under the Constitution:
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Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Article 64):
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Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions.
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Maintains order, ensures smooth legislative debates, and has a casting vote in case of a tie.
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Second Highest Constitutional Authority:
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Acts as the President of India in case of vacancy, death, resignation, removal, or absence of the President until a new President is elected.
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Term and Removal (Article 67):
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Holds office for five years but is eligible for re-election.
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Can resign or be removed by a resolution passed by a majority in Rajya Sabha and agreed by Lok Sabha.
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Vice Presidential Elections 2025: Significance
The election is scheduled for September 9, 2025, with counting on the same day. Unlike general elections, there is no party whip, meaning MPs are free to vote as per their judgment. This makes the contest less predictable than Presidential elections.
While CP Radhakrishnan brings decades of political and administrative experience, Justice Sudershan Reddy represents the judicial and constitutionalist voice. The outcome will not only decide who presides over the Rajya Sabha but also reflect the current balance of power between NDA and INDIA bloc in Parliament.
Conclusion
The Vice Presidency is not just a ceremonial role — it is central to maintaining parliamentary discipline, safeguarding democratic debates, and upholding constitutional governance.
With CP Radhakrishnan and B Sudershan Reddy in the fray, the 2025 Vice-Presidential election is poised to be more than just a vote — it’s a clash of ideologies shaping the next phase of Indian politics.
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