New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the newly elected Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan in the Upper House, praising his long political journey and dedication to social service.

Radhakrishnan assumed charge as Rajya Sabha chairman in September 2025.

PM Modi described the Vice President’s rise as motivating for parliamentarians and assured him that members of the Upper House would uphold the dignity of the House and the chair. He said it was a moment of pride to welcome Radhakrishnan and to move forward under his leadership in taking key decisions that contribute to national development.

The Prime Minister highlighted the Vice President’s humble beginnings in an agricultural family and said that politics had always been a part of his wider commitment to social work. Modi added that Radhakrishnan’s journey, despite challenges, demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy.

The Prime Minister also recalled Radhakrishnan’s work as chairman of the Coir Board, where he transformed it into one of the most profitable institutions. He mentioned Radhakrishnan’s close connect with tribal communities during his tenure in Jharkhand and appreciated his approachability, saying that his independent nature and refusal to be bound by protocols strengthened his public life.

Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India after securing 452 votes, while the Opposition nominee and former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy received 300 votes.

A senior BJP leader, Radhakrishnan earlier served as Governor of Maharashtra and Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. He also held additional charge as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry during that period. He has been elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore and has served as the President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit.

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The Winter Session of Parliament began on Monday. The Rajya Sabha held a formal welcome for its new chairman, while the Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon due to Opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.