The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s nominee for the post of Vice President. His candidature comes weeks after Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down, and the election is scheduled for September 9.
BJP president JP Nadda said Radhakrishnan brings over four decades of political experience and has held several key roles, including Governor of Jharkhand, additional charge of Puducherry, two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, and former chief of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, described him as a leader who has worked extensively at the grassroots level in Tamil Nadu, adding that his career has been marked by “dedication, humility, and intellect.” Modi said Radhakrishnan has consistently focused on community service and empowering marginalized groups.
With 422 members in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha combined, the NDA already holds a clear majority over the 394 votes required, giving Radhakrishnan a strong edge in the upcoming contest.
Political Messaging Behind the Choice
Radhakrishnan’s nomination is being seen as a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu ahead of next year’s state elections. The decision signals an outreach to the southern state, where regional parties like the DMK and AIADMK have long dominated.
AIADMK welcomed the move, calling it an example of the BJP’s inclusive approach. The ruling DMK, however, dismissed it, arguing that projecting a Tamil leader does not equate to being pro-Tamil Nadu, while accusing the Centre of withholding adequate funds for the state.
A Contrast to Jagdeep Dhankhar
Radhakrishnan’s style is expected to be markedly different from his predecessor Jagdeep Dhankhar, who often courted controversy with outspoken remarks and sharp run-ins with opposition parties. In contrast, Radhakrishnan is known for his consensus-driven approach and long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, beginning at the age of 17.
He was also closely associated with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has built a reputation across party lines for statesmanship. Beyond politics, he was India’s first exporter of knitted cotton garments to Bangladesh, reflecting a background that extends outside public life.
While the opposition is yet to announce its candidate, Radhakrishnan’s nomination, backed by the NDA’s numbers, places him firmly as the frontrunner for the Vice President’s post.
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