Vice Presidential polls: Leaders across party lines react to CP Radhakrishnan’s win

Radhakrishnan received 452 first preference votes, whereas Reddy received 300 first preference votes

Leaders across party lines reacted to CP Radhakrishnan’s victory in the Vice Presidential polls held on Tuesday. The NDA nominee bagged 452 votes against Opposition candidate and former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy's 300 votes, amid indications of cross-voting in his favour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan over the victory, saying his life has always been devoted to serving society and empowering the poor and marginalised. “I am confident that he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse,” he said.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju claimed that many Opposition MPs had voted in favour of the NDA vice-presidential candidate.

Radhakrishnan received 452 first preference votes, whereas Reddy received 300 first preference votes. Fifteen votes were considered invalid. A total of 98.20 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the Vice Presidential elections, wherein 767 MPs cast their vote out of 781.

"The election of the Vice President is conducted in a free and fair manner, voting takes place with secrecy, and many opposition MPs have also voted for CP Radhakrishnan, which shows that the MPs have voted by listening to the voice of their conscience," Rijiju told reporters.

"I thank all the NDA MPs and the opposition MPs who voted for CP Radhakrishnan," he added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated C P Radhakrishnan for his victory, while expressing gratitude to the united Opposition's joint candidate B Sudershan Reddy for a "spirited and principled fight."

Kharge said it was a battle of ideology, reaffirming that "governments with authoritarian tendencies must be checked".

"This was more than an election; it was a battle of ideology, reaffirming that governments with authoritarian tendencies must be checked to protect our Constitution and Democracy. We hope the new Vice President-elect will uphold the highest ethos of Parliamentary traditions, ensuring equal space and dignity for the Opposition, and not succumb to pressures of the ruling dispensation," he said.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, chief minister MK Stalin, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami also extended their greetings. Heartiest Congratulations to Radhakrishnan from the people of Tamil Nadu on his election as Vice President of India, Ravi said.

"His leadership would further advance the Prime Minister's ongoing initiatives to preserve, promote and glorify Tamil language, culture and heritage," the Governor said in an official release.

Chief minister Stalin said, "I warmly congratulate CP Radhakrishnan on his election as the Vice President of India and hope that he will discharge his duties with steadfast resolve to the constitutional framework and the democratic ideals of our nation." "I also commend Opposition Candidate B Sudershan Reddy for his determined fight that upheld the spirit of INDIA's democracy and reflected the principles we stand for," Stalin said in a social media post.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami in his greetings, said Radhakrishnan's dedicated public life and tireless service to the people have earned him this prestigious recognition.

"Heartiest congratulations, best wishes, and greetings to the honorable Shri C P Radhakrishnan Ji on being elected as the 15th Vice President of the country. I hope that under your leadership and guidance, the country will reach new heights," Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren posted on X.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Radhakrishnan, saying that he is happy that a Mumbai voter has been elected. Slamming the opposition, CM Fadnavis said that the opposition was trying to create an atmosphere that the NDA votes would be divided but the opposite happened and they could not save their own votes.

"Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has emerged as the vice-president of India. I congratulate him and also express gratitude towards PM Modi for nominating him and all the NDA parties supporting him. I am particularly happy that a Mumbai voter has been elected as vice president of India...The Opposition was trying to create an atmosphere that the NDA votes would be divided. Clearly, the opposite happened, and the Opposition could not save their own votes, and it went to CP Radhakrishnan," he said.

Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan congratulated Radhakrishnan on achieving a splendid victory. “I have full confidence that under your experienced leadership and visionary guidance, the nation will progress with renewed energy and momentum,” he said on X.