In a move underscored by both political calculus and symbolic appeal, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has formally nominated Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the Vice-President of India. The election is scheduled for September 9, setting the stage for a pivotal contest amid intensifying regional maneuvers and national strategic aims.
A Calculated Choice
Announced by BJP President J. P. Nadda, Radhakrishnan’s nomination highlights his longstanding party loyalty and affable image. As a veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, currently serving as Governor of Maharashtra—with additional charges in Telangana and Puducherry—Radhakrishnan brings both administrative experience and a clean public persona to the role.
His selection stands out amid more than a dozen aspirants within the BJP, reinforcing how cross-party acceptability and integrity factored significantly into the decision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly optimistic about securing a unanimous outcome.
South India’s Strategic Leverage
Pick from Tamil Nadu is significant. Radhakrishnan belongs to the OBC Gounder community—an influential group in western Tamil Nadu—and his elevation is seen as a strategic bid to bolster BJP’s presence in the state.
DMK, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, finds itself in a political dilemma: oppose a candidate from its own region or maintain solidarity with the INDIA bloc, which remains unconvinced of Radhakrishnan’s nomination. Many in the DMK acknowledge his credentials but seek UNITY-based consensus.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also reached out to DMK Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, emphasizing Radhakrishnan’s bipartisan respect and administrative gravitas.
Political Support and Arithmetic
NDA enjoys a solid advantage in the Electoral College, but the BJP aims for a more emphatic mandate. Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar publicly backed Radhakrishnan, reflecting continued alliance strength ahead of the election.
As the contest nears, the DMK’s stance and the INDIA bloc’s response will determine whether Radhakrishnan’s election is seamless or contested on regional lines.
A Veteran with Grassroots Credentials
Born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan holds a BBA and started his political journey with the RSS at age 17. He served two terms as MP from Coimbatore in the late 1990s, held leadership roles in BJP-Tamil Nadu, and later moved into gubernatorial posts. Now aged 67, he will become the third Vice-President from Tamil Nadu if elected—after Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and R. Venkataraman.
Summary Table
| Factor | Insight |
|---|---|
| Political Symbolism | Consolidates BJP’s southern outreach just ahead of TN polls. |
| Administrative Edge | Ex-Governor and former MP with grassroots experience and organizational acumen. |
| Strategic Calculus | Enhances OBC and Tamil Nadu representation amid broader inclusion intent. |
| Electoral Strength | NDA’s majority strong, but securing DMK’s support could make it unanimous. |
Looking Ahead
With the Vice-Presidential election on September 9, all eyes are on how regional alignments will play out. Radhakrishnan’s path could either reinforce NDA’s unity or test INDIA bloc cohesion—particularly in Tamil Nadu’s complex political environment.
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