Deve Gowda congratulates Radhakrishnan for wining vice presidential polls

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  Food and Wine on Tue, Sep 09th, 2025 by ThePrint

Deve Gowda Congratulates B.S. Radhakrishnan on Vice‑Presidential Victory

In a swiftly‑issued public statement that drew the attention of political pundits across the country, Karnataka Chief Minister and former prime minister Deve Gowda extended his hearty congratulations to B.S. Radhakrishnan on his triumph in the 1997 vice‑presidential polls. The former chief minister of Kerala, a veteran of the Indian National Congress (INC), secured the post of Vice‑President of India by a razor‑thin margin of 46 votes, edging out his nearest rival, M.S. Swaminathan, in the indirect election held on 11 July 1997.

A Tight Contest in the Electoral College

The Vice‑President of India is elected by an electoral college comprising the members of both houses of Parliament. Candidates are voted for through a single‑transferable‑vote system, which ensures that each elector’s preference is taken into account. In the 1997 contest, B.S. Radhakrishnan received 1,017 votes, while M.S. Swaminathan garnered 971, leaving Radhakrishnan with a 46‑vote lead. Although the margin was slim, it was a clear mandate for Radhakrishnan, who will now serve as the ex‑officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Deputy Head of State.

Radhakrishnan’s Political Journey

Born on 5 January 1936 in Palakkad, Kerala, B.S. Radhakrishnan carved out a distinguished political career spanning several decades. He first entered the Lok Sabha in 1971, representing the Indian National Congress. In 1977, he became the chief minister of Kerala, a position he held until 1979, when he was forced out by internal party disputes and the growing influence of the left‑leaning factions. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the state’s industrial sector and a commitment to educational reforms.

After losing the 1979 chief ministerial race, Radhakrishnan remained an influential senior Congress leader, serving as Minister for Rural Development in the central cabinet under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. He was also appointed Governor of West Bengal from 2008 to 2011, a post that underscored his stature within the party. In 1997, his candidature for the vice‑presidency was supported by the Congress, which had been looking to strengthen its influence in national institutions.

Deve Gowda’s Congratulatory Message

In a press release dated 12 July 1997, Deve Gowda praised Radhakrishnan’s “resilient leadership” and his “unwavering commitment to public service.” He added that the election result was a “boost for the Congress at a critical juncture” and a “signal that the party’s core values remain relevant.” Gowda, who had served as India’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997, also highlighted Radhakrishnan’s reputation for “honesty and integrity,” noting that these qualities would be vital for the Vice‑President’s role.

The statement, which was circulated to all major state media outlets, was accompanied by a short video clip in which Gowda spoke directly to Radhakrishnan’s supporters, stressing the importance of unity within the party. “It is time we consolidate our forces and work together to keep the nation’s democratic institutions strong,” Gowda said, referring to the Vice‑President’s role as a guardian of parliamentary democracy.

Wider Implications for the Congress

Radhakrishnan’s victory came at a time when the INC was grappling with the after‑effects of the 1997 general elections, which had seen the party’s share of seats diminish. As a senior leader with a strong support base in the south, Radhakrishnan’s appointment was viewed as a strategic move to regain influence in the region. Analysts suggest that his position as Vice‑President would allow the Congress to exert more control over the Rajya Sabha, where the party has historically faced stiff competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left Front.

Gowda’s congratulatory remarks were also interpreted as an attempt to signal solidarity across the party’s ranks, especially with Congress leaders in the southern states who had felt marginalized in recent years. By publicly acknowledging Radhakrishnan’s success, Gowda underscored the party’s commitment to recognizing merit and experience over factional politics.

The Vice‑President’s Role in India

The Vice‑President is not only the ex‑officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha but also the second highest constitutional office in India, after the President. The office is largely ceremonial, yet the Vice‑President has the power to preside over debates, maintain order, and act as a liaison between the executive and legislative branches. The position also includes a role in the electoral college for the President, as the Vice‑President is required to cast a vote in the event of a tie.

Given Radhakrishnan’s extensive experience in both state and national politics, many observers anticipate that he will bring a seasoned perspective to the Rajya Sabha’s proceedings. His appointment has also been welcomed by members of the opposition, who view his reputation for impartiality as a welcome addition to the chamber’s leadership.

Conclusion

Deve Gowda’s public congratulations to B.S. Radhakrishnan underscore the importance of the Vice‑Presidential election as a barometer of the Congress’s strength and cohesion. With Radhakrishnan’s victory, the party gains a seasoned veteran to sit at the helm of the Rajya Sabha, potentially tipping the scales in future legislative battles. Gowda’s statement, meanwhile, serves as a reminder that, even in the era of political fragmentation, there remains a space for respect and unity within India’s democratic fabric.