August 18,2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election scheduled on September 9, 2025. The decision comes as the ruling coalition seeks to project a non-controversial and widely respected leader, while the opposition’s INDIA bloc is set to hold consultations this week to decide its nominee.
BJP’s Choice of Candidate
CP Radhakrishnan, 67, has been a long-standing member of the BJP with deep organizational experience. A native of Tamil Nadu, he served as a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore and has been associated with several key initiatives of the party in the southern states. His appointment as Governor of Jharkhand in 2021 and later as Governor of Maharashtra in 2023 highlighted his growing stature within the party’s leadership circles.
BJP leaders described Radhakrishnan as a “clean and consensus-building” figure, emphasizing that his selection reflects the NDA’s intent to put forward a candidate who combines administrative experience with political acumen. Party strategists also view his nomination as an attempt to bolster the BJP’s outreach in southern India, particularly Tamil Nadu, where the party has been working to expand its base.
Opposition’s Response
The announcement has placed the spotlight on the opposition’s INDIA bloc, which is expected to convene in the coming days to finalize its candidate for the Vice Presidential race. Sources indicated that the alliance is weighing multiple options, with emphasis on presenting a nominee who can counterbalance the NDA’s southern outreach.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a key INDIA bloc partner, is expected to play a significant role in shaping the alliance’s decision, given that both Radhakrishnan and the DMK share Tamil Nadu as a political base. Opposition leaders have maintained that a collective decision will be announced soon after the meeting.
Election Process and Timeline
The Vice Presidential election will take place on September 9, with members of both Houses of Parliament—Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—casting their votes. The counting is scheduled for the same day, and the results will determine the successor to the incumbent Vice President.
As per constitutional provisions, the Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The election is therefore considered politically significant, as the Vice President plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Upper House.
Political Significance
Analysts suggest that Radhakrishnan’s nomination underscores the BJP’s strategy of elevating leaders from southern states to national prominence. If elected, he would bring both administrative experience and regional representation to the office, further strengthening the NDA’s political narrative.
The INDIA bloc, on the other hand, faces the challenge of rallying around a consensus candidate at a time when unity among opposition parties remains critical. The upcoming decision is expected to highlight the bloc’s approach toward building electoral momentum ahead of future contests.
With both camps preparing for a high-stakes election, the Vice Presidential race is set to become the next major flashpoint in Indian politics.
