15th Vice President of India:The News
On 24 September 2025, C.P. Radhakrishnan, senior BJP leader and former Governor of Jharkhand and Telangana, was elected the 15th Vice President of India. He takes over from Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had been serving since 2022.
His appointment continues the pattern of the Bharatiya Janata Party taking up the top constitutional posts, as the country’s President (Ram Nath Kovind), Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), and now Vice President all come from the ruling political coalition.
About C.P. Radhakrishnan
Born: 4 May 1957, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Political Career:
Veteran BJP leader in Tamil Nadu.
He twice represented Coimbatore in the Parliament (1998 and 1999).
Instrumental in expanding BJP’s footprint in southern India.
Governorship:
Governor of Jharkhand (2023–2025).
Governor of Telangana (additional charge in 2024).
Public perception: Considered a mild-mannered leader who has his ears to the grass root, Gadkari is perceived to have succeeded in balancing party politics with regional sentiments.
Constitutional Duties of the Vice President
The Vice President of India is next in hierarchy to the President of India.
Ex-officio Chairman of R.S under Article 64.
Exercises powers of the President when the latter if absent (due to illness, resignation, dismissal, or death).
The Vice President does not have his own separate emolument as the Vice President; the VP is paid a salary and allowances in the capacity of the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Election Process
Electoral College: Members of parliament (Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha).
Electoral System: Proportional representation using the single transferable vote.
Eligibility: The candidate should be the Indian citizen, minimum 35 years of age, and eligible for election as a member of Rajya Sabha.
Disqualified: Shall not hold any office of profit.
C.P. Radhakrishnan won by a comfortable majority, with the ruling NDA backing, and the opposition nominee conceded early in view of the government’s strength in Parliament.
Significance of His Election
South Indian Representation: Solidify BJP influence in Tamil Nadu and other southern states it is looking to gain foothold.
Legislative Balance:In his capacity of Rajya Sabha Chairman, his role in running debates and facilitating the passage of bills is essential.
Political Firmness: His personal connection with the central government will result in cooperation between the executive and the lawmaking body.
Symbolic Continuity: The President (Droupadi Murmu) as well as the Vice President are products of a regional representation and grassroot politics, indicating inclusivity.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims (Polity):
Articles 63–71: Vice President, including the Vice President’s election, powers, removal.
Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
President vs Vice President Powers Comparing the powers of Presidents and Vice Presidents.
Mains (GS II – Indian Polity & Governance):
Role of Vice President in upholding decorum of parliamentary proceedings.
Importance of geographical representation in high constitutional positions.
The role of presiding officer in the sustenance of democracy in legislatures.
Previous Year UPSC Questions
Prelims 2017:
“Who among the following can summon a joint sitting of Parliament?” (Answer: Lok Sabha Speaker) – but associated with Rajya Sabha Chairman role in normal sessions.
Mains 2018 (GS II):
“Examine the responsibilities of presiding officer of a state legislature in controlling its order and ensuring impartiality of its proceedings. Contrast it with the position of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.”
Conclusion
The Victory of C.P. Radhakrishnan in the election for the Fifteenth Vice President of India is a political as well as constitutional event. His position as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will be crucial in guiding parliamentary debates, maintaining decorum and in harmonising government-opposition ties. A point that UPSC aspirants will find alluring to study in detail on the ‘office of the Vice President’ in India, its constitutional position and political importance in India’s parliamentary system of governance.
Prelims PYQs
1. Vice Presidents of India – UPSC Prelims 2008
Question:
Who among the following have held the office of the Vice President of India?
Mohammad Hidayatullah
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Shankar Dayal Sharma
Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 3 and 4 only
Answer: ✅ b) 1 and 4 only
Explanation:
Mohammad Hidayatullah – Served as Acting Vice President (also Acting President).
Shankar Dayal Sharma – Served as Vice President (1987–1992).
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Neelam Sanjiva Reddy were Presidents, but not Vice Presidents.
2. Removal of Vice President – UPSC Prelims 2004
Question:
The resolution for removing the Vice-President of India can be moved in the:
a) Lok Sabha alone
b) Either House of Parliament
c) Joint Sitting of Parliament
d) Rajya Sabha alone
Answer: d) Rajya Sabha alone
Explanation:
The Vice President can be removed only by the Rajya Sabha by a majority of its members, and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
This reflects his unique position as Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Mains PYQ
1. Role of Vice-President – UPSC Mains 2022
Question:
Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
[10 Marks, 150 words]
Explanation (Answer Points):
Constitutional basis: Article 64 – Vice President is ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Presides over sessions, maintains order, decides on rules/procedure.
Ensures continuity of legislative business.
Acts as a neutral umpire above party politics.
Limitations: Cannot vote in the House except in case of tie.
Political significance: Sometimes influenced by ruling party politics, making neutrality difficult.
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