New Delhi, August 18: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the upcoming vice-presidential election scheduled on September 9.
The decision was finalised at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving the nod after consultations. If elected, the 67-year-old leader will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down last month citing health reasons.
BJP president JP Nadda said the NDA would also reach out to Opposition parties in hopes of a unanimous election. “We want the next Vice President to be elected unopposed. Our senior leaders are in touch with them, and all our NDA colleagues have extended support,” Nadda stated.
Radhakrishnan, an OBC leader and two-time Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu, has held several key constitutional posts. He is currently the Governor of Maharashtra and previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand (2023–2024). He also held additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Congratulating him on X, PM Modi wrote that Radhakrishnan had “distinguished himself with dedication, humility and intellect” and worked extensively at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. Responding, Radhakrishnan expressed gratitude to Modi, calling it an opportunity “to serve the nation.”
Radhakrishnan was among four governors under consideration, reportedly enjoying the backing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before emerging as the consensus choice of the NDA.
