Rahul Gandhi’s no-show, Dhankhar’s presence mark Vice President’s oath ceremony

New Delhi: NDA's CP Radhakrishnan took oath as the 15th Vice President of India on Friday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other senior dignitaries. However, what caught everyone's attention was the presence of former vice president Jagdeep Dhankar - whose “uncharacteristic silence” since his sudden exit in July sparked Opposition questions - and absence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Radhakrishnan at a swearing-in ceremony held at Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan. The ceremony was attended by former Presidents Ram Nath Kovind and Venkaiah Naidu, Chief Justice of India Shri Justice BR Gavai, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other dignitaries.

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However, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi skipped the ceremony. BJP slammed the senior Congress leader and accused him of hating Indian Constitution and democracy.

"Rahul Gandhi hates Indian Constitution! Rahul Gandhi hates Indian democracy! Rahul Gandhi boycotts the official Vice President swearing-in ceremony," Pradeep Bhandari, BJP's national spokesperson, posted on X

"Few days back, he had boycotted the celebration of India's independence at Red Fort! Can a man who despises India's Independence Day, swearing-in of a Constitutional dignitary, be fit to be in public life? Rahul Gandhi has time to go to holiday in Malaysia, but not (an) official constitutional function! Rahul Gandhi is dangerous for India's democracy! Rahul Gandhi Opposes Indian State," Bhandari added.

Dhankar, who resigned as Vice-President citing health issues, was present at the ceremony today. The Opposition had earlier raised questions over his disappearance from public eye. This was his his public appearance since his suprise resigantion.

Radhakrishnan was elected as Vice President on September 9 after defeating the Opposition pick B Sudershan Reddy, by 152 votes. Radhakrishnan will hold the office till September 11, 2030. He was serving as Maharashtra Governor when he was named NDA's vice presidential candidate.