The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Chandrapuram Ponnuswami Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, as the NDA's candidate for the post of Vice President. Radhakrishnan, who belongs to the influential Gounder OBC community of Tamil Nadu, is an experienced politician and is respected across different parties and society. His election is considered almost certain.
Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Chandrapuram Ponnuswami Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the post of Vice President. This announcement was made on Sunday, August 18th, by BJP President JP Nadda. Radhakrishnan hails from the influential Gounder OBC community of Tamil Nadu and has served as a Lok Sabha MP. His election is considered almost certain due to the BJP and its allies having a sufficient majority in the electoral college. His nomination can be filed by August 21st.
BJP Chooses Radhakrishnan as Vice Presidential Candidate
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Chandrapuram Ponnuswami Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the post of Vice President. Party President JP Nadda said that this decision was taken after extensive deliberations in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Radhakrishnan, who belongs to the influential Gounder OBC community of Tamil Nadu, is widely respected in various parties and sections of society.
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, explaining the reason behind Radhakrishnan's selection, said that he has been a former Lok Sabha MP and has been active in social work. Pal said that he is an experienced politician and the selection of such a candidate was natural, while the opposition is only working to raise questions.
Election Preparation and Impact of Majority
JP Nadda appealed to the opposition parties to unanimously support Radhakrishnan for the post of Vice President. He stated that the BJP and its allies have a sufficient majority in the electoral college, making Radhakrishnan's election almost certain. Nadda expressed hope that his promotion will help the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu next year.
Radhakrishnan was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand in 2023, and he was transferred to Maharashtra in July 2024. The BJP cited his nearly 40 years of public life and respect in various parties as his strengths.
Election Process and Dates
According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will monitor the Vice Presidential election, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will be the polling agent. The last date for filing nominations is August 21st. Apart from the Prime Minister and Union Ministers, BJP's allied Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers will also be involved in the nomination process.
If the opposition declares its candidate, the Vice Presidential election will be held on September 9th. Given the NDA's majority and Radhakrishnan's widespread acceptance in this election, he is highly likely to be elected.
