Dhankhar Breaks Silence, Praises New VP Radhakrishnan

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar made his first public statement since resigning in July, extending heartfelt congratulations to his successor, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who was elected India’s 15th Vice President on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. In a letter to Radhakrishnan, Dhankhar expressed confidence in the new Vice President’s ability to elevate the office, stating, “Your elevation to this august office reflects the trust and confidence by the representatives of our nation. Given your vast experience in public life, under your stewardship, the office would certainly attain greater veneration and glory.”

Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee and Maharashtra Governor, secured a decisive victory in the vice-presidential election, garnering 452 votes against the 300 votes polled by the opposition INDIA bloc’s candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy. The election, held in Parliament House from 10 AM to 5 PM, saw a 98.2% turnout with 767 of 781 MPs casting their ballots. The result, announced by Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody, underscored the NDA’s parliamentary strength, bolstered by support from parties like the YSR Congress and cross-voting from some opposition MPs.

Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns, had triggered the snap election. His departure, just hours after chairing the opening of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, sparked speculation about underlying reasons, with some opposition leaders, including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, questioning whether Dhankhar was “really ill or made ill.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed such claims, affirming that Dhankhar’s exit was solely health-related. Since stepping down, Dhankhar has maintained a low profile, reportedly engaging in yoga and table tennis at the Vice President’s enclave, according to sources cited by PTI.

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Radhakrishnan, a seasoned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former RSS swayamsevak, brings decades of public service experience to the role. A two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore and former Tamil Nadu BJP president, he is the third leader from Tamil Nadu to hold the vice-presidency. His election has been hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Radhakrishnan’s dedication to serving the marginalized and strengthening constitutional values. President Droupadi Murmu also congratulated him, expressing confidence that his tenure would advance India’s progress.

The opposition, while acknowledging their numerical disadvantage, emphasized unity, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noting that all 315 INDIA bloc MPs voted, achieving a 40% vote share compared to 26% in the 2022 vice-presidential election. However, the NDA’s victory was anticipated, given its 427-MP strength in the electoral college, despite abstentions by parties like the Biju Janata Dal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and Shiromani Akali Dal.

Dhankhar’s letter also highlighted the significance of Radhakrishnan’s role as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a position critical to India’s parliamentary democracy. As Radhakrishnan prepares to take the oath, administered by President Murmu, the focus shifts to his ability to navigate the contentious dynamics of the Upper House, where the opposition has vowed to maintain its “ideological battle.” The new Vice President’s tenure is expected to shape parliamentary discourse and reinforce the NDA’s influence, particularly in South India, where Radhakrishnan’s roots hold strategic political value for the BJP.

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