Evolution and Role of Vice President
C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the new Vice President of India. The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional authority, established under Article 63 of the Constitution. Beyond a symbolic post, the Vice President acts as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper parliamentary house. The office also assumes presidential duties in contingencies. Since 1952, the role has evolved through phases reflecting India’s changing political and social fabric.
Philosophical Foundations (1952–1969)
The first Vice Presidents were intellectuals and freedom fighters. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the inaugural officeholder, was a philosopher who shaped parliamentary procedures. Zakir Husain, an educationist and reformer, upheld secular values and briefly served as acting President. V. V. Giri, a labour leader and freedom fighter, brought activism into the office and triggered a political crisis by contesting the presidency independently in 1969.
Stabilising Force Amid Political Turmoil (1969–1987)
During political upheavals, Vice Presidents were experienced jurists and administrators. Gopal Swarup Pathak, a legal scholar, maintained constitutional propriety. B. D. Jatti, serving during the Emergency, briefly acted as President and handled constitutional crises with caution. Mohammad Hidayatullah, a former Chief Justice, reinforced the rule of law. Ramaswamy Venkataraman acted as a mediator during political friction between the President and Prime Minister.
Era of Transitions and Inclusion (1987–2002)
This period saw Vice Presidents often ascend to the presidency. Shankar Dayal Sharma and K. R. Narayanan, the latter the first Dalit Vice President, symbolised social inclusion. Narayanan’s diplomatic background enriched the office. Krishan Kant, a socialist and freedom fighter, died in office. His tenure witnessed the 2001 Parliament attack, denoting security challenges.
Modern Political Dynamics (2002–Present)
The Vice Presidency became politically with leaders deeply embedded in party politics. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the first BJP Vice President, presided during coalition complexities. Mohammad Hamid Ansari served two terms, noted for his parliamentary discipline. Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu focused on rural development and energised debates. Jagdeep Dhankhar maintained order firmly but resigned in 2025 for health reasons. The current Vice President, C. P. Radhakrishnan, represents the NDA and continues the office’s legacy with a soft-spoken style and administrative experience.
Constitutional Role and Parliamentary Functions
The Vice President chairs the Rajya Sabha, ensuring smooth legislative processes. The office acts as a constitutional safeguard by stepping in during presidential vacancies or incapacities. The Vice President’s role blends ceremonial dignity with practical political influence, balancing governance and parliamentary oversight.
Significance
The Vice Presidency reflects India’s political evolution from idealistic beginnings to pragmatic governance. It serves as a platform for statesmanship, legal expertise, and political mediation. The office has also mirrored social progress by embracing diversity and inclusion at the highest levels.
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