CP Radhakrishnan Named NDA’s Vice Presidential Candidate, Polls on September 9

CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, has been named the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)’s candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, scheduled for September 9.

The decision was finalised on Sunday during a meeting of the BJP’s highest decision-making body, the Parliamentary Board, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP national president JP Nadda announced the nomination, stating that the choice was made after "extensive consultations with NDA partners."

“We have also reached out to leaders of the Opposition. They told us their support would depend on the candidate, and we’re hopeful that the Vice President will be elected through consensus,” Nadda said.

At 68, Radhakrishnan brings decades of political and administrative experience. Before his current role in Maharashtra, he served as the Governor of Jharkhand (2023–2024) and held additional charge of Telangana. He also served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. A two-time MP from Coimbatore, Radhakrishnan has also been the BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president.

Sources familiar with the discussions said the 11-member Parliamentary Board deliberated in detail over a shortlist of potential nominees before finalising Radhakrishnan’s name. The Board includes key leaders such as Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh.

The Vice Presidential election was necessitated by the sudden resignation of incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health concerns. The last date for filing nominations is August 21.

Earlier, on August 7, NDA allies had authorised PM Modi and JP Nadda to select the candidate. The proposal was moved by JDU leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and seconded by TDP’s Ram Mohan Naidu during a meeting of NDA leaders held in Parliament.