The MTA Speaks: What are the equations in the Vice Presidential race, who is supporting whom?

CP Radhakrishnan vs Sudarshan Reddy: Who will become the next Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in the 2025 election? Read an exclusive analysis by veteran journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash.

New Delhi: The Vice President election in India is not just a constitutional formality. This position also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance between the government and the opposition in the Upper House of Parliament. That is why the Vice President election is considered a true test of strength between the ruling party and the opposition.

Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash said in his special show 'The MTA Speaks' that the this time, the election is even more interesting as both candidates—NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan and INDIA bloc’s B. Sudarshan Reddy—hail from South India. Voting will be held on September 9 and results will be announced the same evening.

CP Radhakrishnan vs Sudarshan Reddy

This time, the Vice President election is a contest between BJP’s senior leader CP Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu and former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy from Andhra Pradesh.

Key Information About the Vice-Presidential Election...

CP Radhakrishnan vs B. Sudarshan Reddy#vpelection #vicepresident #CPRadhakrishnan #BSudershanReddy #DNCard@ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/5ofEaZt2it

— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) September 7, 2025

Radhakrishnan is considered a loyal and dependable face of the BJP organization and is part of the party’s strategy to strengthen its presence in South India. On the other hand, Sudarshan Reddy is known for his honest and impartial image in the judiciary.

The opposition believes he represents the protection of the Constitution and democratic values. This direct clash between politics and judiciary makes the election even more historic.

Election Timeline and Process

The Vice President election will take place on September 9. A total of 782 MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will vote. To win, a candidate must secure more than 50% of valid votes. In 2022, Jagdeep Dhankhar won by securing 528 votes against Margaret Alva, while in 2017, Venkaiah Naidu secured 516 votes to defeat Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

Current Political Equations and Numbers

In the present scenario, the NDA holds a strong majority in the Lok Sabha, and several regional parties are also reportedly supporting it. This makes CP Radhakrishnan’s victory almost certain, although the opposition INDIA bloc appears to be more united and stronger than before.

The opposition, including Congress, TMC, AAP, DMK, SP, RJD, Left parties, and others, have actively campaigned in support of Sudarshan Reddy.

Vice Presidential Election: South India in Focus

A unique aspect of this year’s election is that both candidates are from South India. CP Radhakrishnan is from Tamil Nadu, while Sudarshan Reddy is from Andhra Pradesh. As a result, South Indian politics has suddenly become central to national discourse.

The opposition says a face that represents both regional balance and constitutional values was needed to challenge the growing dominance of the NDA. Meanwhile, BJP's strategic move to field a candidate from the South signals its intention to expand beyond the Hindi heartland.

Pre-Election Preparations by Parties

Before the election, BJP organized a two-day workshop for its MPs, providing them with detailed instructions on the voting process and the technicalities of the secret ballot. NDA leadership emphasized that any negligence could benefit the opposition, and hence MPs must be cautious. The opposition also held frequent meetings to ensure unity among its MPs.

Constitutional and Political Significance of the Vice President’s Role

The Vice President of India is not only the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha but also holds the second-highest constitutional position after the President. Politically too, the role carries its own importance.

What Do the Numbers Say?

As per available data, NDA has 293 MPs in Lok Sabha, 106 in Rajya Sabha, and 12 nominated members in Rajya Sabha—bringing the total to 414. This suggests that the NDA’s victory is likely. However, due to the recent unity among opposition parties, the margin of victory is expected to be narrower than in 2022 and 2017.