The BJP on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan, a former president of the Tamil Nadu unit and veteran RSS leader, as the NDA candidate for the Vice-Presidential poll on September 9.
Radhakrishnan, who was a Lok Sabha MP and erstwhile Governor of Jharkhand, is credited with "building the foundation of the party in the south" when he was the Tamil Nadu BJP president between 2004 and 2007, sources stated.
With his long experience in organisational assignments and gubernatorial duties in southern states of Kerala, Telangana, and Puducherry, party sources suggested the BJP leadership has "more or less zeroed in" on him to replace Jagdeep Dhankhar — who had resigned last month on health grounds — ahead of Sunday's Parliamentary Board meeting to seal the candidate.
Insiders further pointed out that inducting the 67-year-old leader before Tamil Nadu's Assembly elections next year is part of the party's 'Mission South' plan. Because of his roots in Tamil Nadu, it would also enable easier coordination with its state ally, the AIADMK. Sources also pointed out that Radhakrishnan enjoyed a "good working relationship" with the DMK and was being credited with playing a crucial role in taking the party into the NDA fold in 1999.
“All aspects were discussed during the Parliamentary Board meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi… it was decided that our Maharashtra Governor… C P Radhakrishnan will be the NDA’ nominee for the post of Vice-President,” BJP national president J P Nadda told reporters following the meeting.
“He has a 40-year, successful career in public life… I can personally say that he has played a huge role in tuberculosis vaccination programme… In Tamil Nadu, across party lines, he has his own image, commands respect in all sections of society… and is considered a statesman,” Nadda said, adding that deliberations with NDA allies in this regard had already taken place.
Nadda sought the Opposition’s support for Radhakrishnan given his credentials, and hoped for his “unanimous election” as Vice-President.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, said: “In his long years in public life, Thiru C P 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.”
Stating that Radhakrishnan “has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states, he said in a separate post: “His Parliamentary interventions were always incisive. During his gubernatorial tenures, he focused on addressing challenges faced by common citizens. These experiences ensured that he has vast knowledge of legislative and Constitutional matters. I am confident he will be an inspiring Vice President.”
Party sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh would be Radhakrishnan’s campaign manager and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju would be his election agent. The last date for filing nominations is August 21. Sources said later in the evening, Singh spoke to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over the phone to seek support for Radhakrishnan.
In a post on X, Singh said, “Congratulations to Thiru C P Radhakrishnan ji on being announced as the Vice President candidate of NDA. He has devoted his life to serving the people. He has risen from the ground through hard work and known for his vast administrative experience, wisdom and dynamism. He has also served the country in several capacities. I am confident he will be a great Vice President of our nation.”
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