New Delhi, August 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor and senior party leader CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election in India.
The decision was finalised at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting. If elected, Radhakrishnan will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down last month citing health reasons. According to party sources, Radhakrishnan may also join the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations on X, highlighting Radhakrishnan’s decades of public service. “In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect,” Modi wrote, praising his grassroots work in Tamil Nadu and focus on community service.
Responding to the nomination, Radhakrishnan expressed gratitude to Modi, saying the opportunity was an honour and a chance to serve the nation.
NDA allies, including Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, Rashtriya Lok Dal’s Jayant Singh, Jana Sena Party’s Pawan Kalyan, Telugu Desam Party’s N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Hindustani Awam Morcha’s Jitan Ram Manjhi, have endorsed his candidature. Opposition leaders, such as Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, also extended their best wishes, describing him as “non-controversial” and “experienced.”
Radhakrishnan brings extensive administrative experience. He assumed charge as Maharashtra Governor in July 2024 and previously served as Governor of Jharkhand, while also holding additional responsibilities in Telangana and Puducherry.
The Election Commission of India has scheduled the Vice Presidential election for September 9. The announcement follows Dhankhar’s sudden resignation, which sparked speculation within political circles. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hinted there may be “more than meets the eye,” recalling a phone call with Dhankhar just hours before his unexpected exit.