CP Radhakrishnan trounces Reddy 452–300 in Vice-President polls marked by cross-voting

Agencies

September 9, 2025

New Delhi, Sept 9: NDA nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan was on Tuesday elected as the new Vice-President of India, defeating Opposition candidate Justice B. Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes.

Radhakrishnan polled 452 first-preference votes against Reddy’s 300 in an election that brought cheer to the ruling BJP, which managed to draw support from at least 13 MPs outside its camp.

Of the 767 MPs eligible, 14 abstained — seven from BJD, four from BRS, two independents and one from the Akali Dal. Votes of 15 MPs were declared invalid.

Announcing the results, Returning Officer P.C. Mody said that Radhakrishnan, currently Governor of Maharashtra, had been duly elected as Vice-President.

The snap election became necessary following the surprise resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, two years and 20 days before completion of his term. Dhankhar quit after receiving an impeachment notice against Justice Yashwant Varma from the Opposition — a move that caught the BJP off guard.

Ahead of voting, Radhakrishnan had a committed support base of 439 MPs, including 11 from YSR Congress, while Justice Reddy was assured of 324. The preference of four MPs remained uncertain. The Opposition, which expected Reddy to secure 315–320 votes, suffered a setback as at least 13 MPs from its side appear to have crossed over. Observers suggest the actual number could be higher.

After the outcome, Justice Reddy congratulated his rival, saying:
“I humbly accept this verdict with an abiding faith in the democratic processes of our great Republic. This journey has been a profound honour, offering me the opportunity to stand for the values that have guided my life — constitutional morality, justice, and the dignity of every individual.”

Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh sought to highlight positives for the Opposition, noting that Reddy secured 40% of votes this time compared to 26% in the 2022 Vice-Presidential polls. He asserted that while the BJP had won arithmetically, it had suffered “a moral and political defeat” and stressed that the ideological battle “continues unabated.”

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Nearly 500 US-Israel backed terrorists, riot ringleaders captured across Iran

News Network

January 20,2026

Iranian security and intelligence forces have captured more than 470 individuals in three provinces, identified as key figures behind the recent wave of violent unrest and terrorist activities linked to foreign-backed networks.

The Intelligence Ministry's provincial office in Khorasan Razavi announced on Monday the arrest of 192 armed terrorists, identified as the main agents behind recent riots in the region.

According to an official statement, the detainees were involved in the killing of several security personnel and civilians, setting fire to mosques, public service facilities, and buses, as well as attacks on military and law enforcement centers.

The seized items from the group include several bulletproof vests, Kalashnikov rifles, hunting weapons, Winchester rifles, and various cold weapons such as daggers, swords, brass knuckles, tactical knives, crossbows, and chains.

Evidence indicates that some of the individuals were tied to hostile movements and terrorist organizations, with links overseas. Others were identified as members of violent criminal gangs, actively taking part in the unrest alongside their associates.

Simultaneously, in the western province of Lorestan, the IRGC announced the arrest of 134 individuals as the main leaders and influential field agents of a US-Israeli terrorist network.

The IRGC statement stated that these individuals formed terrorist cells during the recent unrest, committing "Daesh-like" acts.

They wounded security forces with firearms and cold weapons, and burned and destroyed public and private properties, including mosques, shops, banks, and private and public vehicles.

In the northwestern province of Zanjan, the police reported detaining 150 people identified as principal leaders and agents behind recent riots.

Authorities noted that these individuals were responsible for destroying public and private property and intentionally setting fire to vehicles in the province's squares.

Their crimes include shedding the blood of innocent people, destroying public and private property, attempting to enter military sites, disrupting public order, and spreading terror among citizens.

A variety of cold weapons were reportedly seized from the detainees.

What began late last month as peaceful protests over economic hardship across Iran turned violent after public statements by US and Israeli regime figures encouraged vandalism and disorder.

During the unrest, foreign-backed mercenaries rampaged through cities, killing security forces and civilians and damaging public property.

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