BJP Hails CP Radhakrishnan’s Vice-Presidential Nomination; Emphasises OBC Representation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has congratulated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan on his nomination as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the post of Vice President of India.

Party leaders highlighted both his long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his representation of the Other Backward Classes (OBC).

The election for the vice-presidential post will take place on September 9. With the NDA’s current numerical strength in Parliament, Radhakrishnan is widely seen as the frontrunner.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti praised the selection, describing Radhakrishnan as a ‘wise and kind individual’. She said she had personal respect for him and commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nominating ‘such a good person’ for the high office.

Union Minister Niranjan Jyoti also applauded the decision.

Taking to X, she posted, “Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Ji, on being declared the NDA’s candidate for the post of Vice President. Certainly, the nation will benefit from your extensive public life. My heartfelt best wishes for a successful tenure.”

Political Career & Public Life

Radhakrishnan, a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, previously headed the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit and has served as Governor of Jharkhand, with additional charge of Puducherry. He joined the RSS at the age of 17 and maintained close ties with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Outside politics, he became India’s first exporter of knitted cotton to Bangladesh and built a reputation for his consensus-building style. Analysts say his long-standing rapport with Prime Minister Modi further strengthens his position.

The 786 members of both Houses of Parliament elect the Vice-President, with the majority mark set at 394.

The NDA currently controls 422 seats, 293 in the Lok Sabha and 129 in the Rajya Sabha, giving Radhakrishnan a strong edge over any potential rival.

Adding to his prospects, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar confirmed JD(U)’s support.

“The decision to nominate Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan ji, the Governor of Maharashtra, as the NDA’s candidate for Vice President is welcomed. JDU will support Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan ji. Best wishes to him,” he posted.

The JD(U) has 16 MPs in total, further boosting the NDA’s tally.

Opposition leaders from the INDIA Bloc reacted cautiously.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described Radhakrishnan as a non-controversial figure with an established track record. She added, however, that the bloc would decide its stance after consultations.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal confirmed discussions were underway.

“The Congress will not decide alone. We are consulting all alliance partners. The DMK has already expressed its position. A final decision will be made by tonight,” he told reporters.

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