BJP Picks Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as NDA’s Vice Presidential Nominee
BJP Picks Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as NDA’s Vice Presidential Nominee
In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday declared Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) official candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election scheduled for September 9. The announcement came after a crucial BJP Parliamentary Board meeting held to finalise the nominee.
Radhakrishnan, a senior leader with deep roots in the party’s southern strategy, will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar if elected. Dhankhar stepped down from the post last month citing health reasons, a move that surprised many in political circles and led to widespread speculation.
My heartfelt thanks to our beloved People’s leader our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Shri. @narendramodi Ji for nominating me as the NDA Vice Presidential candidate and giving me the opportunity to serve the Nation. 🙏🙏 https://t.co/OhFr3fwp9U
— CP Radhakrishnan (@CPRGuv) August 17, 2025
Born in Tamil Nadu, the 67-year-old Radhakrishnan is widely acknowledged for strengthening the BJP’s base in the southern states. He headed the Tamil Nadu BJP unit between 2004 and 2007, where he is credited with “laying the foundation of the party in the south.” His long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his ability to build cross-party goodwill have given him the reputation of being a seasoned organiser and a statesman.
Throughout his career, he has held several gubernatorial responsibilities. Apart from his current role as Maharashtra Governor since July 2024, he earlier served as the Governor of Jharkhand (Feb 2023–July 2024). He also briefly took additional charges as the Governor of Telangana (March–July 2024) and as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (March–August 2024).
Party insiders suggested that his nomination aligns with the BJP’s “Mission South” strategy, especially with Tamil Nadu gearing up for Assembly elections early next year. His appointment, they believe, could strengthen ties not only with the BJP’s ally AIADMK but also smoothen working relations with other regional players. Notably, Radhakrishnan played a key role in bringing the DMK into the NDA fold in 1999.
After the Parliamentary Board meeting, BJP National President J P Nadda announced the decision, describing Radhakrishnan as a respected leader with a “40-year successful career in public life.” He highlighted the Governor’s role in spearheading health initiatives such as the tuberculosis vaccination programme and noted that Radhakrishnan commands respect “across party lines” in Tamil Nadu. Nadda also expressed hope that the Opposition would extend support to ensure a unanimous election.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message on X, said: “In his long years in public life, Thiru C P Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance.”
Responding to the announcement, Radhakrishnan expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on X, writing: “My heartfelt thanks to our beloved People’s leader our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi Ji for nominating me as the NDA Vice Presidential candidate and giving me the opportunity to serve the Nation.”
Several NDA partners including Chirag Paswan (Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas), Jayant Singh (Rashtriya Lok Dal), Pawan Kalyan (Jana Sena Party), N. Chandrababu Naidu (Telugu Desam Party), and Jitan Ram Manjhi (Hindustani Awam Morcha) have already pledged support. Interestingly, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also praised the choice, calling Radhakrishnan “a very good personality, non-controversial” and extending his best wishes.
The Election Commission has already issued a notification detailing the schedule for the Vice Presidential polls, with September 9 fixed as the voting date. The election comes after Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation, which he submitted shortly after presiding over the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament as Rajya Sabha Chairman.
The Opposition has been raising questions about Dhankhar’s sudden move, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggesting that there could be “far more than meets the eye.” Ramesh even mentioned that he spoke with Dhankhar just two hours before the resignation and noticed no such indication.
