BJP names Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate

In addition to his experience in organisational as well as gubernatorial duties in southern states, including Kerala, Telangana and Puducherry, sources said the BJP top brass had “more or less zeroed in” on him as the successor of Jagdeep Dhankhar — who stepped down last month citing health reasons — ahead of the party’s Parliamentary Board meeting on Sunday to discuss the candidate.

Party insiders said choosing the 67-year-old leader for the post ahead of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu early next year was not only in line with the party’s ‘Mission South’ approach, but, given his roots in the state, could also likely smoothen matters with its ally in the state, the AIADMK. Sources said Radhakrishnan also had a “good working relationship” with the DMK and credited him for being instrumental in getting the party into the NDA fold in 1999.

“All aspects were discussed during the Parliamentary Board meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi… it was decided that our Maharashtra Governor… C P Radhakrishnan will be the NDA’ nominee for the post of Vice-President,” BJP national president J P Nadda told reporters following the meeting.

“He has a 40-year, successful career in public life… I can personally say that he has played a huge role in tuberculosis vaccination programme… In Tamil Nadu, across party lines, he has his own image, commands respect in all sections of society… and is considered a statesman,” Nadda said, adding that deliberations with NDA allies in this regard had already taken place.

Nadda sought the Opposition’s support for Radhakrishnan given his credentials, and hoped for his “unanimous election” as Vice-President.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi, in a post 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.”

Stating that Radhakrishnan “has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states, he said in a separate post: “His Parliamentary interventions were always incisive. During his gubernatorial tenures, he focused on addressing challenges faced by common citizens. These experiences ensured that he has vast knowledge of legislative and Constitutional matters. I am confident he will be an inspiring Vice President.”

Party sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh would be Radhakrishnan’s campaign manager and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju would be his election agent. The last date for filing nominations is August 21. Sources said later in the evening, Singh spoke to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over the phone to seek support for Radhakrishnan.

In a post on X, Singh said, “Congratulations to Thiru C P Radhakrishnan ji on being announced as the Vice President candidate of NDA. He has devoted his life to serving the people. He has risen from the ground through hard work and known for his vast administrative experience, wisdom and dynamism. He has also served the country in several capacities. I am confident he will be a great Vice President of our nation.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Radhakrishnan’s roles as a parliamentarian and as Governor of different states have “played a significant role in effectively fulfilling” constitutional duties and that his “vast experience and wisdom will enhance the prestige of the Upper House and achieve new milestones”.

Reacting to the announcement of his name, Radhakrishnan said in a post on X: “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.”

Congratulating Radhakrishnan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu said, “The Telugu Desam Party warmly welcomes his nomination and extends its full support.”

Opposition RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, in a post on X, said: “From Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, one of India’s most respected philosophers and statesmen to C P Radhakrishnan reflects the journey in our parliamentary democracy so far. Only time shall tell us whether the gentleman chosen as VP candidate desires to match S Radhakrishnan or complies with the desire of the ones who have chosen him to be there. Jai Hind.”

According to sources, the 11-member BJP Parliamentary Board finalised Radhakrishnan’s name and conveyed it to NDA partners, including Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Naidu’s TDP following the meeting. Later, there was “another round of discussions” within the BJP’s top brass.

The NDA Parliamentary Party, which had authorised Modi and Nadda to take a call on the candidate, will meet on Tuesday. “During the filing of the nomination and on polling day, the NDA will make it a point to publicly project a united and consolidated front,” a senior BJP leader said.