New Delhi: C.P. Radhakrishnan was formally sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India on Friday, marking a new chapter in the country’s constitutional leadership. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of top political and constitutional dignitaries.
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to the 67-year-old leader during a short but solemn event held at the ceremonial hall. Dressed in a red kurta, Radhakrishnan took the oath in English, invoking the name of God.
The veteran politician, backed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), secured victory in the recently held vice-presidential election, defeating opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy by a significant margin of 152 votes.
A By-Election Triggered by Resignation
The election came in the wake of the unexpected resignation of then-Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health-related concerns. Making his first public appearance since stepping down, Dhankhar was also present at the ceremony and received a warm welcome from the attendees.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event saw participation from several high-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP national president J.P. Nadda. Former Vice Presidents M. Hamid Ansari and M. Venkaiah Naidu were also in attendance, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Transition from Governor to Vice President
Before taking on the role of Vice President, Radhakrishnan served as the Governor of Maharashtra. Following his election, he officially vacated that office on Thursday. In a temporary arrangement, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat has been assigned the additional responsibility of Maharashtra’s governorship until a new appointment is made, according to an official communication from the President’s Secretariat.
With decades of experience in public service and a political career spanning several states and roles, Radhakrishnan’s elevation to the second-highest constitutional post in the country is seen as both a strategic and symbolic move by the ruling alliance.
As Vice President, he will also serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where his leadership will be tested amid ongoing political challenges and legislative priorities.
