India witnessed an important political event as CP Radhakrishnan officially took oath as the new Vice President of the country. The ceremony, held with full protocol, became more significant as former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar made his first public appearance since his sudden resignation on 22 July. His presence ended weeks of speculation about his health and whereabouts, which had been widely discussed by political circles and the opposition.
CP Radhakrishnan Sworn in as the 15th Vice President
CP Radhakrishnan, elected on 9 September, was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India. He secured 452 votes during the election, defeating the opposition candidate B. Sudarshan Reddy, who managed to secure only 300 votes. The ceremony was attended by top political leaders, former dignitaries, and senior officials, marking a historic occasion for the nation.
Before becoming Vice President, CP Radhakrishnan served as the Governor of Maharashtra. Following his swearing-in, the additional charge of Maharashtra’s governorship was handed over to Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat. Radhakrishnan is known as the “Modi of Tamil Nadu” due to his political style and grassroots connection. He has won the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat twice and has served as the Tamil Nadu BJP state president in the past.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s First Appearance After Resignation
The sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on 22 July left the Vice President’s post vacant, triggering discussions and speculations. For several weeks, Dhankhar was not seen in public, which fueled opposition questions regarding his absence and condition. The oath-taking ceremony of CP Radhakrishnan finally provided answers, as Dhankhar attended as a guest.
He was seen sitting alongside former Presidents M. Venkaiah Naidu and Hamid Ansari, both of whom also graced the occasion. His calm and composed presence was noted by many and signaled the end of the uncertainty surrounding his resignation.
Attendance of Senior Leaders at the Ceremony
The oath ceremony was a high-profile event attended by the top leadership of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were all present. Chief Ministers including Mohan Yadav from Madhya Pradesh, Nayab Singh Saini from Haryana, and Pushkar Singh Dhami from Uttarakhand also attended the ceremony.
From the opposition side, many senior politicians and former leaders marked their presence, highlighting the significance of the event. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, Jharkhand’s Santosh Gangwar, and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria were also present.
Symbolism of the Ceremony
The ceremony was more than a formal event of constitutional importance. According to NDA sources, the timing of the oath was chosen after consulting auspicious muhurat. This reflected not only tradition but also the seriousness with which the ruling alliance approached the change in the Vice President’s office.
The attendance of leaders cutting across states and portfolios highlighted the importance of the Vice President’s role in India’s constitutional framework. It also underscored the political weight of CP Radhakrishnan as he steps into his new responsibility.
CP Radhakrishnan’s Political Journey
Radhakrishnan has had a long and active political career. His popularity in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Coimbatore, has been significant. Winning twice from Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha elections established him as a trusted leader of the people. His leadership as the state BJP president further enhanced his stature within the party.
Known for his disciplined political approach and close alignment with the central leadership, Radhakrishnan earned the reputation of being “Modi of Tamil Nadu.” His rise to the post of Vice President marks an important milestone in his political journey, connecting his regional influence with national responsibilities.
Opposition’s Questions and Dhankhar’s Silence
The weeks following Dhankhar’s resignation saw continuous criticism from opposition parties. Questions were raised about why he resigned suddenly and why he remained absent from the public eye. His silence added fuel to speculation about possible health concerns or political differences.
However, his presence at the oath-taking ceremony, sitting comfortably alongside former Presidents, suggested that he was in good health. It also indicated that he chose to maintain a dignified silence rather than respond to political controversies.
National Political Message
The smooth transition from Jagdeep Dhankhar to CP Radhakrishnan carries a strong political message. It demonstrates the NDA’s organizational discipline and ability to manage leadership changes without disruption. The selection of Radhakrishnan, a leader with both regional and national credentials, signals BJP’s intent to strengthen its base in South India while ensuring stability at the center.
The presence of top leaders at the ceremony reflected unity within the ruling alliance. For the opposition, it was a reminder of the ruling party’s ability to keep its leadership transitions seamless.
Importance of the Vice President’s Role
The Vice President of India is not only the second-highest constitutional authority but also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. With ongoing debates and frequent confrontations between ruling and opposition parties in the Upper House, the role of the Vice President becomes crucial in maintaining balance and order.
Radhakrishnan’s experience in politics, administration, and leadership will now be tested as he takes over this key responsibility. His ability to handle complex discussions and maintain parliamentary decorum will shape his legacy.
The oath ceremony of CP Radhakrishnan as the 15th Vice President of India was both a constitutional formality and a politically significant event. Jagdeep Dhankhar’s first public appearance since his resignation ended speculation about his absence and reassured political circles of his well-being.
With Radhakrishnan stepping into his new role, India gains a Vice President with rich political experience, strong regional influence, and proven leadership. The event also symbolized the strength and unity of the NDA, preparing for future challenges while respecting constitutional traditions.
As the country looks ahead, CP Radhakrishnan’s tenure will play a critical role in shaping parliamentary debates and supporting governance. His journey from Tamil Nadu to the Vice President’s office underlines the inclusive nature of Indian democracy and its ability to recognize leaders from diverse backgrounds.
