In a strategic move that underscores the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) focus on experienced leaders from southern India, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has been selected as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the Vice President position. The announcement, made by BJP President JP Nadda on August 17, 2025, follows the unexpected resignation of incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar, setting the stage for elections on September 9. Radhakrishnan’s nomination has sparked discussions on his extensive political journey and the party’s intent to bolster its regional influence amid evolving national dynamics.
A Profile of CP Radhakrishnan: From RSS Roots to Gubernatorial Heights
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, has built a career spanning over four decades in public service. Holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he began his involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 16, rising through the ranks as a committed volunteer. This early affiliation shaped his entry into politics via the Bharatiya Jan Sangh in 1974, eventually leading him to the BJP.
Radhakrishnan’s electoral breakthrough came in 1998 when he secured the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat, a victory repeated in 1999 with impressive margins amid local turmoil following the city’s bomb blasts. These wins established him as a key BJP figure in Tamil Nadu, a state where the party has historically struggled for dominance. From 2004 to 2007, he served as the state BJP president, spearheading initiatives like a 93-day rath yatra to address issues such as river interlinking and anti-terrorism efforts.
His national roles include chairing the All India Coir Board from 2016 to 2020, where he focused on rural employment and export growth. Radhakrishnan also represented India in international forums, including a 2014 parliamentary delegation to Taiwan and a speech at the UN General Assembly in 2003 on humanitarian aid. In 2020, he was appointed BJP’s Kerala in-charge, a position he held until 2022.
Radhakrishnan’s gubernatorial tenure began in 2023 as Jharkhand’s Governor, where he navigated complex political scenarios, including controversies around mining leases involving then-Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He briefly held additional charges for Telangana and Puducherry before assuming Maharashtra’s governorship in July 2024. Known for his straightforward style and RSS loyalty, he has earned the moniker “Modi of Tamil Nadu” for his alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda.
Why Did BJP Nominate CP Radhakrishnan for Vice President?
The nomination reflects BJP’s calculated effort to project inclusivity and strengthen its southern footprint. With the NDA commanding a majority in the electoral college of MPs, Radhakrishnan’s selection ensures a smooth path to victory, but experts see deeper strategy. Nadda, in his announcement, praised Radhakrishnan’s 40-year experience and clean image, hoping for unanimous support from opposition parties.
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan will be the NDA's candidate for the Vice Presidential election.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 17, 2025
– BJP national President & Union Minister @JPNadda #VicePresidentialElection | #CPRadhakrishnan pic.twitter.com/bdbhAWgYpz
Political observers note that choosing a Tamil Nadu leader counters perceptions of northern bias within the party. In a Hindustan Times analysis, strategist Prashant Kishor suggested this move aims to consolidate gains in the south, where BJP made inroads in recent polls. “Radhakrishnan’s RSS roots and gubernatorial track record make him a safe, unifying choice,” Kishor said, highlighting his role in bridging state-Centre relations.
YouTube videos from channels like those analyzing BJP strategies, with views exceeding 500,000, discuss how this nomination avoids internal rivalries by elevating a non-controversial figure. One expert commented, “It’s a reward for loyalty in a challenging state like Tamil Nadu, signaling to southern cadres that the party values them.”
Expert Opinions: Strengths and Political Calculations
Analysts largely view the pick as astute. In an NDTV report, psephologist Yogendra Yadav described Radhakrishnan as a “consensus builder” with a blemish-free record, ideal for the Vice President’s ceremonial yet influential role as Rajya Sabha chairperson. “His experience in governance and international diplomacy adds gravitas,” Yadav noted.
Critics, however, question the optics. Opposition voices, in an India Today discussion, accused BJP of recycling governors for higher posts, with one leader saying, “This is more about loyalty than merit.” YouTube commentators echo this, pointing to Radhakrishnan’s electoral losses post-1999 as a potential weakness, though his administrative stints counter that narrative.
From a strategic lens, experts like those from the Observer Research Foundation argue this bolsters BJP’s narrative of pan-Indian representation. A video analysis with over 1 million views highlighted his anti-corruption stance during the coir board tenure, where he boosted exports by 20%, aligning with Modi’s economic vision.
Analyzing the Nomination: Implications for BJP and Beyond
Radhakrishnan’s selection is a masterstroke for BJP, reinforcing its southern strategy amid alliances like with TDP in Andhra Pradesh. His RSS background appeals to the core base, while his gubernatorial neutrality suits the VP’s impartial role. Politically, it could ease tensions in Maharashtra, where BJP governs in coalition, by freeing the governorship for new appointments.
Broader impacts include signaling stability post-Dhankhar’s exit, amid whispers of internal NDA frictions. For opposition, contesting with a strong candidate might unify them, as seen in past VP polls.
In essence, Radhakrishnan’s nomination blends experience with symbolism, positioning BJP for continued dominance. As elections near, his profile as a steadfast leader from the south could reshape narratives on the party’s inclusivity.
