Welcome to the September 2025 roundup from South Asian Regional News. This month’s headline story is CP Radhakrishnan’s election as India’s Vice President. Below you’ll find a quick breakdown of how the election works, a look at Radhakrishnan’s political path, and what his win could mean for the Rajya Sabha and the country.
The Vice President is chosen by an indirect ballot. All members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cast a single transferable vote. That means each MP ranks candidates in order of preference, and votes are transferred based on those rankings until someone clears the required quota. The process is designed to reflect a broad consensus across both houses, not just a simple majority.
In 2025 the ruling alliance rallied behind Radhakrishnan, while the opposition put forward its own nominee. After several rounds of counting, Radhakrishnan secured enough second‑preference votes to cross the threshold, clinching the post. The result was announced publicly and immediately set the stage for his new role as chair of the Rajya Sabha.
Radhakrishnan brings two decades of experience as a two‑time MP from Coimbatore and two years as Governor of Jharkhand. His background in finance and infrastructure gives him a practical edge when presiding over Rajya Sabha debates. Expect smoother procedural handling and a focus on bipartisan issues like rail modernization and green energy.
Politically, his election strengthens the ruling coalition’s hand in the upper house. With a Vice President who is aligned with the government’s agenda, the coalition can more easily push through legislation that requires Rajya Sabha approval. However, the opposition still holds a sizable bloc, so Radhakrishnan will need to balance party loyalty with the constitutional duty of impartiality.
For citizens, the Vice President’s role is mostly ceremonial—presiding over Rajya Sabha sessions and stepping in as Acting President if needed. Still, the office can influence the tone of parliamentary discourse. Radhakrishnan’s reputation for calm negotiation suggests fewer deadlocks and more constructive debate.
Looking ahead, analysts say the next general election could see Radhakrishnan’s profile rise even further. If he manages to keep the Rajya Sabha functional and avoids major controversy, he might be eyed for higher positions, perhaps even a future presidential run.
That’s the full picture of September 2025’s top story. Stay tuned to South Asian Regional News for deeper analysis, expert opinions, and updates on how this development shapes the political landscape across South Asia.
CP Radhakrishnan has been elected India's Vice President in 2025, after an indirect vote of MPs from both Houses. Backed by the ruling alliance, he defeated the opposition nominee. A two-time MP from Coimbatore and Governor of Jharkhand since 2023, he will now chair the Rajya Sabha. Here’s how the election works, his political journey, and what this means for Parliament.
