New Delhi: Maharashtra Governor and seasoned BJP leader C.P. Radhakrishnan has been officially named as the National Democratic Alliance’s nominee for the Vice President of India. The announcement was made on Sunday, August 17, 2025, by BJP National President J.P. Nadda following a meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Board in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Radhakrishnan, 68, is a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore and has served as the BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president. He currently holds the post of Maharashtra Governor, after previously serving in Jharkhand and holding additional responsibilities for Telangana and Puducherry.
A Strategic Choice With Southern Roots
The nomination is seen as a strategic political move ahead of next year’s elections in Tamil Nadu. Radhakrishnan, who belongs to the influential Kongu Vellala Gounder community, is known for his grassroots political work and for building bridges across party lines — a valuable trait for the Rajya Sabha Chairperson role.
He entered national politics in 1998, winning the Coimbatore seat following the bomb blasts during L.K. Advani’s campaign. He was re-elected in 1999, this time with support from the DMK. Though he couldn’t reclaim the seat in later years, his tenure left a lasting impression. Locally, he earned the moniker “Vajpayee of Coimbatore” for his accessible and inclusive style.
His early political journey began with the Jan Sangh and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), rising through the ranks to serve in key organisational roles. Between 2003 and 2006, he led the Tamil Nadu BJP and has remained an active figure within the party ever since.
Support from Top Leadership
Prime Minister Modi expressed his support via social media, saying, “Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. He has worked extensively at the grassroots level in Tamil Nadu and focused on empowering the marginalised.”
Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP leaders including Nadda were also thanked by Radhakrishnan, who responded emotionally on X, stating, “I am moved and touched beyond words. I assure to work hard for the Nation until my last breath.”
During his time as Governor, Radhakrishnan earned praise for his initiatives, including campaigns against tuberculosis and public outreach across 24 countries in his career.
Vice-Presidential Polls and Political Implications
The Vice-Presidential election was called following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health issues and reported tension with the NDA leadership. The NDA, with its numerical strength in Parliament, is well-positioned to secure the post.
The deadline for filing nominations is August 21, and voting is scheduled for September 9, with results to be announced the same day.
Political observers are watching closely to see whether Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, the DMK, and its allies will field a candidate in opposition. If elected, Radhakrishnan will become only the second Tamil Nadu native to serve as Vice President, the last being R. Venkataraman in the 1980s.
