BJP President JP Nadda on Sunday announced NDA’s VP candidate, whose name was agreed upon after consultation with BJP allies. BJP nominated CP Radhakrishnan for the vacant post of Vice President. Shiva Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that Radhakrishnan is not only “non-controversial” but also has a “good personality”. 

‘Non-controversial, good personality’

“Maharashtra governor’s name has been nominated for Vice President election – CP Radhakrishnan,” Raut said, before adding, “I believe he has a good personality, non-controversial, and has extensive experience in politics and organisation. So, on our behalf, we extend our best wishes to him.”

He always focused on community service: PM Modi

PM Modi too shared pictures with the Maharashtra governor and said that he always focused on “community service” and how he can “empower” people who come from marginalised communities.

“In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan 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,” PM said on X (formerly Twitter). 

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He added, “I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance.”

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said that the new VP will not be the “Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party” but of India. “This is what we expect for the dignity of that position.”

Nadda, on Sunday, said, “We held detailed discussions with our NDA allies. And after these discussions, I am happy to share that in the Parliamentary Board meeting, chaired by PM Modi, all names were discussed… suggestions were sought, and after that it was decided that our Vice President, CP Radhakrishnan, will be made NDA’s candidate for the post of Maharashtra Governor.”

He also said that the BJP has reached out to Opposition parties to help elect the next VP by “consensus”. 

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“The opposition leaders conveyed to us that their decision to support the nominee will depend on the candidate. We are hopeful that the VP will be elected by consensus,” he added. 

Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly stepped down as Vice President of India on July 21, the first day of the Parliament’s Monsoon session, citing health concerns. His term was supposed to continue until August 2027. The election to choose his successor will be held on September 9, and nominations can be filed until August 21.

About Radhkrishnan

Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan began his public life early, joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a teenager at 16. He entered national politics in 1998 when he won the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat, securing what was then the largest victory margin recorded in Tamil Nadu. He held the seat again in 1999 and soon after became part of the BJP’s National Executive. Between 2004 and 2007, he led the party in Tamil Nadu as its state president.

Radhakrishnan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. His political journey traces back to 1974, when he was on the State Executive Committee of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh.

“When my son was born, we prayed to God that he would be like former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and named him after him. Today, that moment has come true,” CP Radhakrishnan’s mother Janaki Ammal told the media.