Curious about who holds one of India’s highest constitutional offices right now? If you’ve been following recent Indian politics, the question "who is the vice president of india" has a straightforward answer worth a quick refresher. The current Vice President is C. P. Radhakrishnan, who assumed office and also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
The Role of the Vice President of India
The vice president is the second-highest constitutional office in India and plays two main roles: constitutional backup to the president and the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper parliamentary house. When the office of president is vacant or the president is unable to perform duties, the vice president steps in. The vice president is elected by members of both houses of Parliament using a secret ballot and serves a five-year term.
Quick Facts About C. P. Radhakrishnan
Full name: Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C. P.) Radhakrishnan.
Took oath as the 15th Vice President of India on 12 September 2025 and became Chairman of the Rajya Sabha that day.
Long political career with experience as a governor (Maharashtra, Jharkhand) and several decades in public life before becoming vice president.
Elected in a closely watched contest that followed the resignation of the previous vice president, illustrating parliamentary procedures for filling vacancies.
The vice president’s office is housed at the official residence and connected to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, where they oversee proceedings and procedural rules.
A Short Timeline: How the Current VP Came to Office
Vacancy occurred in the vice-presidential post due to resignation of the previous officeholder.
An election for the vice president was conducted by members of Parliament, following constitutional procedures.
C. P. Radhakrishnan won the election and was sworn in as Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman on 12 September 2025.
Did You Know?
Did you know the vice president is not directly elected by the public? Instead, members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha vote in the vice-presidential election, making it a parliamentary rather than a popular contest.
What the Vice President Does Day-to-Day
Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions, manages debates, and enforces parliamentary rules.
Represents the Rajya Sabha in communications with the president and Lok Sabha.
Steps in as acting president if the president’s office is vacant or the president is incapacitated.
Performs ceremonial duties and meets visiting delegations and dignitaries as part of state protocol.
Mini Q&A: Common Questions
Q: Is the vice president part of the government cabinet?
A: No, the vice president is a constitutional officeholder who remains above day-to-day cabinet politics, though they may have a party background prior to election.
Q: Can the vice president be re-elected?
A: Yes, the constitution allows the vice president to serve multiple terms if re-elected by Parliament.
Q: How long is the vice president’s term?
A: The term is five years, though the holder can resign earlier or be removed through the prescribed constitutional process.
Historical and Cultural Notes
The office of vice president was created by the Constitution shortly after India's independence, and over the decades it has been held by leaders from diverse political and regional backgrounds, reflecting India’s federal character.
Several vice presidents have later played crucial roles in national politics or assumed the presidency temporarily, showing how the office can be a stepping stone in constitutional continuity.
The Rajya Sabha’s traditions and procedural tone often reflect the cultural diversity of India, and the vice president, as chair, must balance regional representation, parliamentary decorum, and vigorous debate.
A Personal Note
I find it striking how the vice president’s role balances ceremony and critical parliamentary authority. Watching procedural debates in the Rajya Sabha can feel a bit like watching a choreography of rules, voices, and history—where the chair matters more than many outsiders expect. For citizens and learners alike, the office offers a quiet but essential anchor for democratic continuity.
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s tenure as the vice president is another chapter in that ongoing story of constitutional checks, ceremonial duty, and parliamentary leadership.
Wrapping up, if you were wondering "who is the vice president of India" now you know: it’s C. P. Radhakrishnan and he serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. What part of India’s constitutional setup would you like to explore next?