Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan Nominated as India's Vice-President Candidate, PM Modi Calls Him Inspiring
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led-National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy (CP) Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the upcoming Vice-President election, scheduled for September 9. The decision was finalized in a BJP Parliamentary Board meeting held at the party headquarters in New Delhi.
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| Image Source: PM NaMo on X |
The announcement follows the abrupt resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the Vice-President’s post on July 21, citing health reasons. While the government officially attributed the move to medical grounds, opposition leaders claimed Dhankhar had quit over differences with the Centre during the Monsoon session of Parliament.
Modi’s Endorsement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the NDA’s choice, describing Radhakrishnan as a leader who has blended humility, intellect, and grassroots engagement throughout his political journey.
“In his long years in public life, Thiru CP 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,” Modi wrote on X.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Radhakrishnan’s wide-ranging experience in governance. “Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states. 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,” he added.
Radhakrishnan’s Journey
Born in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, CP Radhakrishnan is a veteran BJP leader with a political career spanning over four decades. He was elected to the Lok Sabha twice from Coimbatore, and also served as the Tamil Nadu BJP State President.
Known for his low-key, consensus-driven style of politics, he has often been described by colleagues as a “bridge-builder” within the party and among allies.
In recent years, Radhakrishnan transitioned into gubernatorial roles. He served as the Governor of Jharkhand (Feb 2023–July 2024), with additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Lt Governor of Puducherry (Mar–Jul 2024), before being appointed as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024.
During his gubernatorial tenures, Radhakrishnan emphasized resolving public grievances and strengthening state–centre coordination. His administrative experience and reputation for simplicity are seen as assets in his elevation to the Vice-President’s role.
Election Math
The Vice-President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. With the NDA holding a majority in both Houses, Radhakrishnan is strongly positioned for victory if the election is contested.
The opposition INDIA bloc is expected to discuss its strategy and the possibility of fielding a candidate at a meeting on August 18. Sources indicated that some opposition leaders may push for a symbolic contest to highlight democratic competition, while others prefer not to field a candidate against the NDA’s clear majority.
The Election Commission has announced that the last date for filing nominations is August 21, with withdrawals permitted until August 25.
Polling and counting are scheduled for September 9, and the new Vice-President will take office shortly after.
What Lies Ahead
The NDA has summoned all chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of its constituent states to Delhi on August 21 for the nomination filing.
If elected, CP Radhakrishnan will assume the office as the 16th Vice-President of India, also serving as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha--a role that requires deft navigation of parliamentary debates and frequent mediation between ruling and opposition benches.
For Radhakrishnan, the nomination marks the culmination of a political journey that began in Tamil Nadu’s grassroots and has now reached the second-highest constitutional office in India. ]
For the NDA, it is also a symbolic choice--projecting a seasoned yet soft-spoken leader with roots in the south, and experience in both Parliament and gubernatorial responsibilities, as the face of continuity and stability.