Why CP Radhakrishnan deserves to be India’s next vice president

The Vice Presidential election in India, scheduled for September 9, 2025, is shaping up as a major political contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, CP Radhakrishnan, and the INDI alliance candidate, B Sudershan Reddy. Many experts and analysts believe CP Radhakrishnan is the stronger candidate due to his extensive political experience, grassroots connections, regional appeal, and alignment with the “India First” philosophy.

CP Radhakrishnan, born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, has been active in politics for over 40 years. He joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), at the age of 16. Over the decades, he has held key leadership positions within the BJP, including the president of the Tamil Nadu unit from 2004 to 2007. He has represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha twice and served as the chairman of the Coir Board of India from 2016 to 2020, achieving record-high exports. More recently, he has held Governor positions in Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra, giving him experience in handling constitutional responsibilities and complex political situations.

In contrast, B Sudershan Reddy, born on July 8, 1946, in Telangana, is a retired Supreme Court judge with limited political experience. While Reddy served briefly as Goa’s first Lokayukta in 2013, his judicial career has been controversial. Notably, his 2011 verdict in the Nandini Sundar vs. State of Chhattisgarh case against the Salwa Judum initiative drew criticism for weakening anti-Naxal efforts and leaving tribal communities vulnerable. Similarly, in the Bhopal Gas tragedy case, Reddy was part of a bench that rejected a curative petition seeking harsher punishment for Union Carbide executives, a decision widely criticized for failing the victims.

The Vice President of India also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a role that requires political skill, constitutional knowledge, and the ability to manage parliamentary debates. Radhakrishnan’s decades-long political career equips him to handle the responsibilities of chairing the Upper House, mediating discussions, and maintaining order in a politically diverse environment. Reddy, despite his legal background, lacks practical political experience and the skills needed for real-time decision-making in Parliament.

Regional appeal, governance experience, and leadership skills

Radhakrishnan’s strong ties to Tamil Nadu give him significant regional appeal. He enjoys support from both NDA allies, such as AIADMK, Janata Dal (United), and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), as well as non-NDA parties like the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). This cross-party acceptance highlights his ability to build consensus and navigate complex political landscapes. As Governor in multiple states, he has worked closely with state governments and political leaders, experience directly relevant to the Vice President’s role, which involves constant interaction with parliamentarians, state authorities, and constitutional bodies.

Radhakrishnan has also demonstrated leadership at the grassroots level. His organization of a 19,000 km Ratha Yatra to raise awareness on issues like river linking and counter-terrorism shows his ability to mobilize public opinion and lead large-scale initiatives. Such experience helps him connect with diverse audiences and manage both ceremonial and administrative duties effectively. In comparison, Reddy’s public engagement has been limited, and his post-retirement activities, including signing petitions against arms exports to Israel and participating in the Telangana caste census, have sparked criticism for political bias.

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Policy expertise and administrative competence further strengthen Radhakrishnan’s candidacy. He understands governance challenges, resource allocation, and state-level politics, making him well-equipped to manage the procedural and political demands of the Vice President’s office. Reddy’s brief administrative experience as Goa’s Lokayukta does not compare to the depth and scale of Radhakrishnan’s career.

Numerically, the NDA holds a clear advantage in the electoral college, comprising 422 MPs, which makes Radhakrishnan’s victory highly likely. The Opposition’s choice of Reddy appears more symbolic than competitive, and the framing of the election as an “ideological battle” is unlikely to change the outcome. Radhakrishnan’s broad acceptance, political savvy, and coalition-building abilities give him a decisive edge over his rival.

In conclusion, CP Radhakrishnan’s decades of political experience, deep grassroots connections, regional appeal, and proven leadership make him a far stronger candidate for the Vice Presidency than B Sudershan Reddy. His track record shows the ability to handle parliamentary duties, maintain order, and build consensus across parties. Meanwhile, Reddy’s judicial career, controversial rulings, and lack of political experience limit his suitability for the role. With the NDA’s numerical advantage and Radhakrishnan’s wide acceptance, he is positioned to become a competent, pragmatic, and effective Vice President of India.