Who Will Take Oath as the 15th VP of India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- C P Radhakrishnan's election as 15th Vice President of India marks a significant political development.
- The election showcased a robust turnout of 96% among MPs.
- The NDA coalition demonstrated strength and unity during the voting process.
- Radhakrishnan's term will extend until 2030, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
- The Vice President will oversee the Rajya Sabha and act as President if necessary.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) C P Radhakrishnan, the nominee from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India.
He received 452 votes compared to 300 votes for the candidate from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), former Justice Sudarshan Reddy.
The elected candidate exceeded the required quota for victory, established at 377 votes, highlighting the NDA's parliamentary strength and coalition unity.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported that out of 767 votes cast, 752 were valid and 15 were invalid.
As per P C Mody, the Rajya Sabha Secretary-General and returning officer, voting took place in Room No. F-101, Vasudha, Parliament House, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Vote counting commenced at 6 pm following the polling conclusion.
With a remarkable turnout, 96 percent of MPs participated, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being the first to cast his vote.
PM Modi was joined by Union Ministers such as Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with other prominent ministers like Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Nitin Gadkari.
Among the voting MPs were notable figures like former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Meanwhile, jailed MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, participated in the voting amidst strict security measures.
Thirteen lawmakers, including members from regional parties such as Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), chose to abstain from voting.
According to party leaders, this decision was made to emphasize state-level concerns while remaining neutral from both the NDA and the Congress-led INDIA coalition.
The opposition framed the election as an “ideological battle” and claimed that all 315 of its MPs participated in the voting.
Radhakrishnan's win is credited to the strong unity among NDA members and PM Modi's meticulous attention to details. A BJP MP noted that the PM ensured all party members understood the voting process thoroughly.
The ECI announced the polls on August 7, with August 21 as the deadline for nominations. The nominations were scrutinized on August 22 in the presence of representatives from all participating parties.
Two valid candidates emerged, and no withdrawals occurred by the August 25 deadline, finalizing the nomination process for the poll on September 9.
Radhakrishnan will take the oath of office on Wednesday in front of the President of India, members of both Houses of Parliament, and constitutional dignitaries.
His term will last for five years, concluding in 2030, unless a vacancy arises.
As the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President will oversee the Upper House and act as President if required, in accordance with Articles 67 and 71 of the Constitution.