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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has officially announced C.P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential elections. BJP President J.P. Nadda stated that the decision was taken unanimously at the Parliamentary Board meeting in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, Radhakrishnan’s nomination is seen as a significant political move by the NDA ahead of the September polls.
C.P. Radhakrishnan: A Veteran BJP Leader from Tamil Nadu
C.P. Radhakrishnan has been an influential leader in the BJP for decades. Known for his organizational skills, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the party’s presence in South India.
Radhakrishnan entered active politics through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later became a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He served as a Member of Parliament from Coimbatore constituency, winning two consecutive Lok Sabha elections in 1998 and 1999. However, he faced defeats in subsequent elections in 2004, 2014, and 2019.
In 2007, as state chief, he launched a 93-day, 19,000-km ‘Rath Yatra’ across Tamil Nadu to raise awareness on issues like river-linking, terrorism, Uniform Civil Code, untouchability, and drug abuse.
Key Political Roles and Governance Experience
Radhakrishnan has held several important positions throughout his career. In February 2023, he was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand, where he also handled additional responsibilities as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Later, in July 2024, he assumed charge as the Governor of Maharashtra.
During his parliamentary tenure, he served as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles and was also a member of the special parliamentary committee that investigated the stock exchange scam. In 2004, he represented India at the United Nations General Assembly as part of the parliamentary delegation. He was also among the first Indian MPs to visit Taiwan as part of an official delegation.
From 2016 to 2020, he chaired the Coir Board in Kochi, where under his leadership, India’s coir exports touched a record ₹2,532 crore. Later, between 2020 and 2022, he served as the BJP in-charge for Kerala.
Education and Early Life
C.P. Radhakrishnan completed his graduation in Business Administration before entering politics. Inspired by the RSS ideology, he joined public life as a swayamsevak and became a member of the state executive committee of Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1974. His early involvement with grassroots movements gave him the foundation for a long political career.
How is India’s Vice President Elected?
The Vice Presidential election in India is conducted through an indirect voting process. Unlike the Presidential election, where Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) vote, only Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are eligible to vote in the Vice Presidential polls.
One key difference is that nominated members of both Houses—who cannot vote in the Presidential election—are allowed to participate in the Vice Presidential election.
Election Process in Detail:
- A public notification is issued inviting nominations.
- Candidates require the support of at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders, all of whom must be MPs.
- A security deposit of ₹15,000 must be submitted with the nomination.
- After scrutiny of nomination papers, eligible candidates are finalized for the ballot.
The Vice President of India must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Be at least 35 years old.
- Meet the qualifications required to be elected to the Rajya Sabha.
The elected Vice President serves a five-year term, and elections must be conducted within 60 days of the completion of the incumbent’s tenure.
Key Dates for the Upcoming Vice Presidential Election
For the 2025 election cycle:
- Last date for filing nominations: August 21
- Voting date: September 9
- Results declaration: September 9 itself
Political Significance of Radhakrishnan’s Nomination
By fielding C.P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA has chosen a leader with a strong RSS background and significant administrative experience. His nomination also reflects the BJP’s strategy of acknowledging its southern leaders while strengthening its national presence.
Given the NDA’s majority in Parliament, his election is considered almost certain. If elected, Radhakrishnan will bring decades of parliamentary, organizational, and gubernatorial experience to the second-highest constitutional office in the country.
Conclusion
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s journey from a student activist in Tamil Nadu to the BJP’s Vice Presidential candidate highlights his dedication and long service to Indian politics. With his strong RSS roots, experience as a parliamentarian, and tenure as governor of multiple states, his nomination symbolizes the NDA’s emphasis on seasoned leadership.
As India gears up for the Vice Presidential elections on September 9, all eyes will be on how Radhakrishnan shapes the role if elected—bringing both his South Indian political experience and his national-level governance expertise to the fore.
