Vice presidential election outcome surprises none

The country has elected a new vice-president in a hastily arranged poll that has captured the nation's attention, raising questions about unity within political coalitions and the health of its democratic processes.

The election, held on 9 September, came unexpectedly after the resignation of incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar, who cited health concerns as his reason for stepping down. Dhankhar, a former West Bengal governor and a key figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had served since August 2022. His departure created a vacuum in the upper echelons of Indian governance, prompting Parliament to convene for this midterm contest.

What prompted the sudden election

The vice-president's role in India is largely ceremonial but crucial, as they also serve as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament. Dhankhar's resignation, announced in late August, was attributed to ongoing health issues that had reportedly worsened over the past year. This marked the first time in decades that a vice-presidential term was cut short, leading to speculation about internal pressures within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Political analysts suggest that Dhankhar's exit may have been influenced by broader tensions, including debates over parliamentary decorum and opposition accusations of bias in Rajya Sabha proceedings. The timing, just two years before the next scheduled election in 2027, added an element of urgency and drama to the proceedings.

Key contenders in the race

The NDA, led by the BJP, nominated CP Radhakrishnan, the current governor of Maharashtra and a seasoned politician with roots in Tamil Nadu. Radhakrishnan, aged 68, has a diverse background, having served as a member of Parliament, a state BJP president, and in various gubernatorial roles. His nomination was seen as a strategic move to consolidate southern support for the alliance, given his experience in states like Jharkhand and Telangana.

Opposing him was B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge fielded by the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Reddy, 72, brought a judicial gravitas to the contest, with a career marked by landmark rulings on environmental and human rights issues. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, comprising parties like Congress, Trinamool Congress and others, hoped his non-partisan image would appeal to cross-bench voters.

Both candidates campaigned subtly, focusing on themes of national unity and development, though the underlying narrative was one of alliance loyalty versus opposition resilience.

How the voting process unfolded

The election took place in the Parliament House, with members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha casting ballots. Out of approximately 780 eligible electors, the turnout was high, reflecting the stakes involved. Voting began at 10:00 AM and concluded by 17:00 PM, with strict protocols to ensure secrecy.

Whispers of cross-voting emerged early, as some opposition MPs were rumoured to have defected due to dissatisfaction with their bloc's leadership. The NDA, holding a majority in the Lok Sabha but facing a more balanced Rajya Sabha, banked on its numerical edge and recent by-election gains.

The result: A commanding victory

When the votes were tallied, CP Radhakrishnan emerged victorious with 452 votes, against B Sudershan Reddy's 300, securing a margin of 152. This outcome exceeded expectations, prompting questions about the opposition's cohesion. Radhakrishnan's win makes him India's 15th vice-president, a position he will assume after formal swearing-in later this month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly congratulated the winner, posting on social media: "Heartiest congratulations to Shri CP Radhakrishnan on being elected as the Vice-President of India. His vast experience will greatly benefit our democracy." Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Radhakrishnan's commitment to nationalistic ideals.

Reactions from across the political spectrum

Opposition leaders expressed disappointment but vowed to continue their fight. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the result as "a setback but not a defeat," alleging undue influence in the voting process. Trinamool's Mamata Banerjee questioned the margin, suggesting "hidden hands" at play.

Radhakrishnan, in his victory speech, termed the win a "triumph of nationalistic ideology" and pledged to work towards making India a developed nation by 2047. He emphasised impartiality in his role as Rajya Sabha chair, aiming to foster constructive debates.

What this means for Indian politics

The result strengthens the NDA's grip on key constitutional posts, which may smooth legislative paths for reforms in areas like agriculture and digital economy. However, the apparent cross-voting exposes cracks in the INDIA bloc, which has struggled with internal rivalries since its formation.

Analysts predict this could influence the upcoming Bihar assembly election later this year and future polls in states like Tamil Nadu in 2026, where Radhakrishnan's regional ties might bolster BJP campaigns [the vice-president is unlikely to have any bearing on the West Bengal election]. Moreover, it underscores the evolving dynamics of Indian federalism, where governors and vice-presidents play pivotal roles in centre-state relations.

As India navigates economic challenges and global uncertainties, the new vice-president's tenure will be watched closely. Will this victory herald stability, or deepen divides? Only time will tell, but for now, the corridors of power in Delhi buzz with renewed energy.