The victory of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee CP Radhakrishnan in the vice-presidential election has reaffirmed unity within the ruling bloc. His election underscores the NDA’s cohesiveness, cements its parliamentary control, and reinforces the ‘Modi magic’ narrative.
The result also dispelled speculation of a split in NDA votes after the opposition INDIA bloc fielded Sudarshan Reddy in a South versus South contest.
Radhakrishnan hails from Tamil Nadu, while Reddy is from Andhra Pradesh.
Broad Coalition Support
The NDA’s primary constituent, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with 240 MPs in the Lok Sabha, is short of a majority and relies on allies such as the Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United).
Radhakrishnan’s victory, however, drew support beyond NDA ranks, with backing from the YSR Congress, AIADMK, and Shiv Sena. This outcome reaffirms the NDA’s ability to maintain a sprawling coalition across regional and ideological divides.
At the same time, the reliance on regional partners deepens mutual dependence.
While the BJP requires their support in the Rajya Sabha, allies are likely to demand policy concessions at the Centre. Delhi may therefore see more finely balanced power-sharing and financial negotiations to sustain this collaboration.
Southern Outreach
Radhakrishnan’s elevation carries strong symbolic value for Tamil Nadu, a state where the BJP has long struggled to expand.
Having served as a two-time MP from Coimbatore, he provides the party with a prominent local figure ahead of the state’s upcoming assembly elections. His nomination signals the BJP’s bid to strengthen its foothold in the Dravidian heartland and offer cadres a rallying figure against entrenched regional parties.
As Vice-President and ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan will preside over debates and influence the pace of legislative work.
For the BJP-led NDA, this enhances control of parliamentary procedures and eases the path for contentious reforms. His career as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member and BJP veteran also signals continued ideological consistency under the NDA’s leadership.
Also Read: CP Radhakrishnan Elected As 15th Vice President Of India
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