BJP Names CP Radhakrishnan as NDA’s Vice Presidential Candidate
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee for Vice President, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar last month on health grounds.
The decision was finalised at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting. If elected, Radhakrishnan will succeed Dhankhar, who stepped down after presiding over the opening day of the Monsoon Session as Rajya Sabha Chairman.
PM Modi’s Endorsement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan on X, praising his “dedication, humility, and intellect” as well as his grassroots work in Tamil Nadu.
Radhakrishnan, in response, thanked the PM and said he was “grateful for the opportunity to serve the nation” as NDA’s Vice Presidential pick.
NDA and Opposition Reactions
The NDA’s choice has drawn support from alliance leaders including Chirag Paswan (LJP-RV), Jayant Singh (RLD), Pawan Kalyan (Jana Sena), N. Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), and Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM).
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also extended best wishes, calling Radhakrishnan a “non-controversial and experienced” leader.
Meanwhile, the Opposition has raised questions over Dhankhar’s sudden exit. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggested there might be “more than meets the eye,” noting that Dhankhar had sounded “absolutely fine” in a phone call just hours before his resignation.
Radhakrishnan’s Political Journey
Radhakrishnan took charge as Governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024, after serving as Jharkhand Governor (Feb 2023–July 2024). He also held additional charges as Governor of Telangana (Mar–Jul 2024) and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (Mar–Aug 2024).
Vice Presidential Election Schedule
The Election Commission of India has scheduled the Vice Presidential election for September 9, 2025, with the process for nominations and withdrawals already underway.
