NDA names Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as Vice-Presidential candidate

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PIC/PTI

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election on September 9, ANI reported.

The announcement was made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda during a press conference following the party's Parliamentary Board meeting in the national capital.

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"At the parliamentary board meeting, we all unanimously decided on the VP candidate, Mr CP Radhakrishna. We discussed the VP candidate with all our alliance party (NDA) earlier as well. We will discuss our opposition party as well to smooth the VP election..." Nadda said.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, "In his long years in public life, Thiru CP 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."

Governor Radhakrishnan has thanked PM Modi for the nomination.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar, who is also the Deputy CM of Maharashtra has congratulated the Governor on his candidature. NCP is in alliance with the BJP in the Centre and state.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Milind Deora stated that the Maharashtra Governor has the support of the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Another BJP ally, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has also extended its support for Radhakrishnan's candidature. In a post on X, TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu wrote, "Congratulations to Hon'ble Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji on being announced as the NDA's Vice Presidential candidate. A senior statesman and respected leader, he has long served the nation with distinction. The Telugu Desam Party warmly welcomes his nomination and extends its full support."

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan is currently serving as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra since July 31, 2024.

He has also served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024 and held additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July last year.

A veteran BJP leader, Radhakrishnan was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore and has also served as the party's Tamil Nadu State President.

The Election Commission had earlier announced that polling for the Vice-President's post will take place on September 9, with counting of votes scheduled for the same day. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until August 25.

The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 21, citing health reasons.

"To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the constitution," Dhankhar's resignation letter read.

Before his surprise resignation, former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar made an "unscheduled visit" to the Rashtrapati Bhavan late on the evening of July 21, official sources said, according to PTI reports.

Dhankhar met President Droupadi Murmu around 9 pm and handed over his resignation to her. Half an hour later, he made his resignation letter public on X, they added.

Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022, and his term was scheduled to end in August 2027.

(With ANI and PTI inputs)