The BJP has named Maharashtra Governor and BJP leader CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the September 9 vice-presidential election.
The decision was taken at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting on Sunday, which was called to finalise the party’s choice for the Vice Presidential election. If elected, Radhakrishnan will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned as Vice President last month citing health reasons.
BJP president JP Nadda said they will reach out to opposition leaders so the next vice president could be elected “unanimously.”
“We (NDA) will also speak to Opposition parties on getting their support to ensure the election for this second highest constitutional post goes unopposed. As we said earlier, we have been in touch with them and our senior leaders have contacted them earlier as well and even now, we will remain in touch with them and all our NDA colleagues have supported us,” the BJP chief said.
67-year-old Radhakrishnan, an OBC leader and two-time former member of Lok Sabha, was among four governors shortlisted, including those from Gujarat, Karnataka and Sikkim, and reportedly enjoyed the backing of the RSS. After consultations with the BJP’s Parliamentary Board, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the final approval.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated CP Radhakrishnan on X, writing: “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.”
Responding on X, Radhakrishnan thanked PM Modi for nominating him as a Vice-Presidential pick writing: “My heartfelt thanks to our beloved People’s leader our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi Ji for nominating me as the NDA Vice Presidential candidate and giving me the opportunity to serve the Nation.”
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Radhakrishnan has held several key positions in his political journey. He took charge as the Governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024. Earlier, he served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 18, 2023, to July 30, 2024. He also held additional charges as the Governor of Telangana from March to July 2024 and as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry from March to August 2024.
