BJP Springs Surprise: Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan Named NDA’s Vice Presidential Candidate

Mumbai: In a dramatic turn in national politics, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (August 17) declared Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, popularly known as CP Radhakrishnan, as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for Vice President of India. The decision signals a clear push by the party to strengthen its presence in southern India while rewarding one of its most steadfast loyalists.

BJP president JP Nadda announced the nomination after a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “After extensive discussions, the Parliamentary Board unanimously decided on CP Radhakrishnan as the NDA’s nominee. We are confident that opposition parties too will support this seasoned leader who has devoted his life to public service,” Nadda said.

The Vice Presidential election, necessitated after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation last month, will take place on September 9, with the last date for filing nominations fixed as August 22.

Acknowledging the announcement with visible emotion, Radhakrishnan said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, the Parliamentary Board, Union Ministers, and NDA allies for reposing their trust in me. I pledge to dedicate every breath of my life to serve the nation. Jai Hind!”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been tasked with steering the NDA’s outreach strategy for the poll, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will act as the election agent, overseeing procedural and organisational work.

Radhakrishnan’s political journey reflects decades of grassroots work in Tamil Nadu. Rising to prominence as state BJP president, he worked tirelessly in an era when the party struggled to find space in the Dravidian heartland. His organisational acumen and resilience earned him respect across the cadre, eventually leading to his appointment as Governor of Maharashtra.

The choice of Radhakrishnan is seen as both a strategic and symbolic move. While it acknowledges Tamil Nadu’s importance ahead of future electoral battles, it also highlights the BJP’s tendency to elevate leaders who have weathered years of political challenges.

From leading BJP in Tamil Nadu’s difficult terrain to governing a politically crucial state like Maharashtra, and now being positioned for one of India’s top constitutional roles, CP Radhakrishnan’s ascent is being hailed as a journey of grit, loyalty, and persistence.