The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has named Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the Vice Presidential election scheduled for September 9, 2025. The announcement, made by BJP President JP Nadda following a parliamentary board meeting, comes weeks after the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
“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” wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ‘X’
Radhakrishnan, born in Tiruppur in 1957, began his political journey at 16 with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later joined the Bharatiya Janasangh. A two time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, he has held key positions, including Governor of Jharkhand and Telangana, and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. His nomination is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, particularly in the Kongu region, where Radhakrishnan’s Gounder community holds significant influence.
Dhankhar, who also served as Rajya Sabha Chairman, resigned citing health concerns, but political analysts point to deeper tensions. His acceptance of an opposition-backed impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma without consulting the government reportedly caused friction with the BJP leadership. Dhankhar’s outspoken style and frequent clashes with opposition leaders, coupled with his criticism of judicial overreach, had reportedly made him a polarising figure. His abrupt exit, announced hours after routine meetings with no prior indication, left both allies and opponents in disbelief. Dhankar had since gone incommunicado with no public appearance since July 21.
Radhakrishnan, in contrast, is viewed as a consensus driven leader with strong ideological ties to the RSS. His low-profile, inclusive approach is expected to bring stability to the Rajya Sabha, claimed BJP insiders. The nomination also carries electoral significance for Tamil Nadu. By choosing a veteran from the state, the BJP aims to consolidate support among the Gounder community and bolster its alliance with the AIADMK. However, the opposition DMK is unlikely to back Radhakrishnan, signalling a potential contest. The INDIA alliance is yet to announce their candidate. While the numbers are in favour of NDA for now, INDIA alliance sources indicate that a fight would be necessary for the political statement. The nomination deadline is on August 21.
