BJP Taps Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as NDA’s Vice-Presidential Candidate
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In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on August 17–18, 2025, announced Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, set to be held on September 9, 2025.
Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader with over four decades of political experience, currently serves as Governor of Maharashtra. He also holds additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. His career trajectory includes two terms as Lok Sabha MP representing Coimbatore, and significant roles within the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit, including that of state party president.
The BJP’s strategic framing positions Radhakrishnan as a “son of Tamil soil,” aiming to bolster appeal in southern states where the party historically lags. Regional parties such as AIADMK and the Tamil Maanila Congress hailed the selection as a moment of pride for Tamilians. The nomination has intensified political pressure on the DMK and other INDIA bloc members to either support or oppose the candidate, thrusting Tamil Nadu’s regional dynamics into the national spotlight.
At the BJP parliamentary board meeting, held under the leadership of party president J.P. Nadda and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders, the NDA’s unanimous approval was secured after extensive deliberations with partner parties.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi lauded Radhakrishnan’s career, citing his dedication, humility, grassroots connect in Tamil Nadu, and administrative experience. Modi expressed hope for a consensus-based election outcome. Radhakrishnan reciprocated by thanking the PM and party leadership and reaffirming his commitment to serve the nation.
The Vice-Presidential poll is expected to be closely contested, as the INDIA bloc weighs its options and potential candidates—including Mylswamy Annadurai, Tushar Gandhi, and DMK’s T.Siva—remain under consideration.
As political alignments crystallize and nomination deadlines draw near, India watches closely how regional pride, alliance strategy, and national optics intersect in this high-stakes race for the Vice-President’s post.
