New Delhi: Maharashtra Governor and senior BJP leader C. P. Radhakrishnan (CPR) has been announced as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the Vice President’s post. This decision was made by the BJP leadership suddenly after the unexpected resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who surprised everyone by resigning on the very first day of the Monsoon session.
C. P. Radhakrishnan is seen as a disciplined, restrained leader with a strong RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) background. The BJP’s decision is also being viewed as a “positive message” towards the RSS, especially at a time when questions have been raised about the relationship between the party and the RSS.
Opposition’s Strategy: Justice Sudarshan Reddy as Candidate
The opposition INDIA alliance has chosen former judge Sudarshan Reddy as their candidate for the Vice President’s post. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, Reddy has had a respected tenure in the judiciary. The opposition hopes his candidature will impact Andhra politics and attract support from allied parties like the TDP.
NDA Holds Significant Numbers, But Election Remains Interesting
Currently, the NDA commands 422 MPs combined in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, a clear majority in the electoral college of 781 members. Hence, Radhakrishnan’s victory is almost certain. Still, the election is being portrayed by the opposition as a symbol of “ideological contest.”
Radhakrishnan: South India Connection and RSS Background
Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan has long been associated with the BJP and the RSS. He joined the RSS at the age of 16, has served as Tamil Nadu BJP president, and has been elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore. He has also served as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and Governor of Jharkhand.
His tenure as Governor is considered “balanced and controversy-free,” especially in politically sensitive Maharashtra. For this reason, party leadership chose him as a “low-profile, mature leader.”
BJP’s Strategy: A New Push in Tamil Nadu?
Radhakrishnan’s appointment is seen as BJP’s effort to strengthen its political presence in Tamil Nadu. Although the BJP did not achieve the expected success in Tamil Nadu in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party wants to send a serious signal about its commitment to South India ahead of the 2026 assembly polls.
However, there remains debate over whether Radhakrishnan’s appointment will actually benefit the BJP in the state, as he belongs to the Gounder community, where the party already has some leaders.
Conclusion: The Vice President’s Role Will Be Challenging
If CPR is elected, he will need to maintain impartiality as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, while balancing the widening divide between the government and opposition. At a time when the opposition accuses the ruling side of misuse of agencies and erosion of democracy, the Vice President’s role becomes even more challenging.
