New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, scheduled for September 9. The decision, while unexpected, is being viewed by political analysts as a calculated strategic move by the BJP.
Radhakrishnan, a senior leader from Tamil Nadu, has been associated with the BJP for decades. He earlier served as a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore and held the post of Jharkhand Governor before being appointed as Governor of Maharashtra in July 2024.
#WATCH | Delhi: Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan will be the NDA's candidate for the Vice Presidential election, says BJP national president and Union Minister JP Nadda pic.twitter.com/VzSJVjoF6p
— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2025
Political observers believe that with the NDA’s numerical strength in Parliament, Radhakrishnan is well-positioned to secure an easy victory. The opposition INDIA bloc, however, is expected to announce its candidate soon, potentially setting the stage for a contest.
Analysts see the BJP’s choice of a South Indian leader as a deliberate effort to consolidate its presence in the region, particularly in Tamil Nadu where the party has been striving to expand its influence. The leadership believes Radhakrishnan’s strong grasp of state politics could provide the party with a strategic advantage in southern India.