Introduction: A Defining Political Showdown
India’s political landscape is buzzing today, September 9, 2025, as lawmakers cast their votes to elect the next Vice President of India. The high-stakes contest pits Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, the retired Supreme Court judge backed by the INDIA bloc, against Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate and a seasoned politician. This Vice Presidential Election is not just about numbers — it is about political symbolism, shifting alliances, and the direction India’s democracy is heading. With polling taking place in the new Parliament building, the day has already grabbed headlines nationwide.
Why This Election Matters
The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India, after the President. More importantly, he or she acts as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, a role that demands impartiality, authority, and deep constitutional understanding.
The vacancy was created after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned in July 2025 due to health concerns, leaving the NDA and INDIA bloc scrambling to present their strongest contenders. The outcome will determine not just who chairs the Rajya Sabha but also how future legislative battles are steered.
Meet the Contenders
CP Radhakrishnan – The NDA’s Candidate
- Currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra and formerly holding additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry.
- A loyal BJP leader with decades of organizational experience.
- Officially nominated by the NDA on August 17, 2025, with support from allies including AIADMK, JD(U), TDP, NCP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and YSRCP.
- With the NDA holding a clear majority in Parliament, Radhakrishnan is widely seen as the frontrunner.
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy – The INDIA Bloc’s Candidate
- A respected former Supreme Court judge (2007–2011) with a reputation for integrity and strong constitutional values.
- Has also served as Chief Justice in the Gauhati and Andhra Pradesh High Courts.
- Represents the INDIA bloc’s strategy to counter the NDA’s political strength with an image of judicial dignity.
- Despite being an underdog in numbers, Justice Reddy has campaigned with confidence, stating, “I am hopeful that this election will be guided by conscience and democracy, not just arithmetic.”
Election Day Drama
- Polling began at 10 a.m. in Parliament and will continue until 5 p.m., with results expected tonight.
- Top leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi were among the early voters.
- Voting is conducted by secret ballot, which allows MPs to vote freely without the party whip. This opens the door for cross-voting, a factor that always adds unpredictability.
The Numbers Game
- Total electors: 781 Members of Parliament (543 Lok Sabha + 238 Rajya Sabha).
- Winning mark: 391 votes.
- NDA’s projected tally: over 427 votes, comfortably above the halfway mark.
- INDIA bloc: Likely to fall short, but betting on symbolic unity and the possibility of cross-voting.
Parties That Abstained
Interestingly, not every party is participating in today’s vote.
- BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi): Announced abstention citing farmer distress and fertilizer shortages as reasons.
- BJD (Biju Janata Dal): Claimed neutrality, distancing itself from both NDA and INDIA alliances.
- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD): Stayed away from the contest, avoiding alignment with either bloc.
While these abstentions slightly reduce the total voting pool, they do not significantly dent NDA’s numerical advantage.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Vote
- Rajya Sabha Balance: The Vice President as Chairperson plays a crucial role in steering debates and maintaining order during heated legislative sessions.
- Message to Opposition: If NDA secures a comfortable win, it will showcase their dominance in Parliament, reinforcing the INDIA bloc’s struggle for numbers.
- Symbolism of Conscience Voting: A stronger-than-expected tally for Justice Sudershan Reddy could signal growing cracks in NDA unity and provide moral momentum to the opposition.
- Regional Dynamics: Abstaining parties like BJD and BRS are sending signals of independence, keeping their cards close for future national negotiations.
A Contest of Contrasts
- Experience in Governance vs. Judicial Integrity: Radhakrishnan represents political stability and governance experience, while Justice Reddy stands for constitutional values and moral leadership.
- Numbers vs. Conscience: NDA is banking on arithmetic strength, while INDIA is betting on conscience-driven cross-voting.
- Symbolism vs. Reality: Even if Justice Reddy loses, INDIA bloc leaders say the fight highlights their role as a moral opposition voice.
Public and Political Reactions
- Social media is buzzing with hashtags like #VicePresidentElection2025, #RadhakrishnanVsReddy, and #IndiaDecides.
- NDA supporters are confident of a sweeping win, framing it as proof of stability.
- INDIA bloc leaders are portraying their fight as “a stand for constitutional dignity,” even if the numbers are against them.
- Ordinary citizens are following updates closely, given that the Vice President plays a visible role in parliamentary debates.
Looking Ahead
The final results, to be declared tonight, will officially seal India’s next Vice President. If CP Radhakrishnan wins, it will strengthen the NDA’s control in both Houses of Parliament. If Justice Sudershan Reddy manages a surprise upset, it could dramatically reshape opposition morale.
Either way, this election is not just about filling a vacancy — it is about the pulse of Indian democracy and the constant tug-of-war between political power and constitutional ideals.
Conclusion
The Vice Presidential Election 2025 has captured the nation’s imagination, not because the outcome is entirely unpredictable, but because of the narratives it has unleashed: governance versus conscience, majority versus moral authority, and stability versus symbolism.
As lawmakers cast their final ballots and the nation awaits the results, one thing is clear — this contest has reaffirmed the vibrancy of India’s democracy, where every vote, every alliance, and every abstention carries weight in shaping the future.