The NDA has declared Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice President candidate, highlighting his “40-year experience in politics and many hats.” He will contest against the Opposition nominee on September 9, with NDA numbers favouring him.
The NDA announced CP Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra and a prominent leader from Tamil Nadu, as its candidate for the Vice President’s position, following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation. Radhakrishnan is set to compete against the Opposition candidate on September 9, and with the NDA’s numbers, he seems poised for victory.
BJP chief JP Nadda during the announcement after a meeting of the NDA parliamentary party, stated
“Mr Radhakrishnan has a 40-year experience in politics and wore many hats,”
Nadda expressed hope for a consensus in the Vice President’s election, mentioning that discussions have been held with various parties.
He noted,
“We hope the Vice President’s election will take place through consensus. We have spoken to many parties, and while the opposition said they would decide after our announcement, we are hopeful of wider support.”
He added that the BJP would engage with Opposition leaders to facilitate a “smooth election.”
Radhakrishnan’s political background includes serving as the Governor of Jharkhand, holding additional responsibilities in Pondicherry, representing Coimbatore as a two-term MP, and leading the Tamil Nadu BJP unit.
Also Read: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation Row: Centre Reached Out Just Hours Before He Quit, Say Sources
With the total strength of both houses at 786, the majority threshold is 394. The NDA currently holds 422 seats in the two houses, consisting of 293 members in the Lok Sabha and 129 in the Rajya Sabha.
In a post on X, PM Modi praised CP Radhakrishnan for his extensive grassroots work in Tamil Nadu and expressed his satisfaction with the NDA’s decision to nominate him as their Vice Presidential candidate.
Modi stated,
“In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect,”
The Prime Minister highlighted Radhakrishnan’s commitment to community service and empowering marginalized groups throughout his various roles. The BJP parliamentary board had previously nominated Radhakrishnan as the NDA candidate for Vice President.
His nomination is significant, particularly as it comes ahead of next year’s elections in Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is still striving to establish a foothold. This move is also seen as a strategic challenge to the Dravidian parties both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK that have long dominated the state.
The BJP’s recent initiative to implement a three-language curriculum has placed the party in a precarious position in Tamil Nadu, where the DMK is actively opposing what it terms “Hindi imposition.”
AIADMK’s Kovai Sathyan described the nomination as a “strategic and clever move,” reflecting the BJP’s inclusive attitude.
When asked about its potential impact on electoral dynamics in Tamil Nadu, Sathyan noted that this could be seen as a “checkmate to those engaging in divisive politics and spreading false narratives.”
The DMK, however, criticized the move, stating that “projecting a Tamilian is not pro-Tamil Nadu.”
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan accused the BJP of neglecting the state’s needs, saying,
“They are not giving proper funds… Even for education, they are not supporting Tamil Nadu in all terms.”
Mr. Radhakrishnan represents a stark contrast to Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned under pressure from the BJP after facing multiple controversies. Dhankhar, the former Governor of Bengal, was known for his confrontations with the ruling Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as well as his outspoken views on the judiciary and the Opposition.
Having been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since he was 17, Radhakrishnan has a long history in politics, including a close relationship with former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee.
He is familiar with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s working style and is known for his consensus-building approach.
While DMK sources indicated that the party would not support the NDA candidate, a spokesperson remarked,
“Happy that someone from Tamil Nadu has been named. The representation of South in the central government is lacking. Would expect him to be more fair in Rajya Sabha if he gets elected.”
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