New Delhi, August 17, 2025 — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday officially declared CP Radhakrishnan as the Vice Presidential candidate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The announcement was made by BJP president JP Nadda soon after the party’s Parliamentary Board meeting at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and senior party leaders. The decision follows the sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons. His tenure was originally scheduled to end in August 2027.
Why CP Radhakrishnan?
Announcing the candidature, BJP chief JP Nadda described CP Radhakrishnan as a “statesman” who enjoys respect across sections of society in Tamil Nadu and beyond.
“We want the next Vice President to be elected unanimously, and we have reached out to opposition leaders,” Nadda said.
CP Radhakrishnan is currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, a role he took up in July 2024. Prior to this, he was the Governor of Jharkhand for nearly 18 months. His long career in politics and governance, particularly his contributions to Tamil Nadu’s grassroots, have earned him recognition across party lines.
PM Modi’s Endorsement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Radhakrishnan’s decades-long public service and expressed confidence in his leadership.
“In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with dedication, humility, and intellect. He has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalized. His Parliamentary interventions were incisive, and as Governor, he addressed challenges faced by ordinary citizens,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting Radhakrishnan’s grassroots work in Tamil Nadu, Modi added:
“I am glad that the NDA family has unanimously decided to nominate him as our Vice Presidential candidate. I am confident he will be an inspiring Vice President.”
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation
The Vice President’s post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s surprise resignation on July 21. In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar wrote that he was stepping down “to prioritize healthcare and abide by medical advice.” His resignation was effective immediately under Article 67(a) of the Constitution of India.
Vice Presidential Election Schedule
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released the official schedule for the Vice Presidential election:
- August 21 – Last date for filing nominations
- August 22 – Scrutiny of nomination papers
- August 25 – Last date for withdrawal of nomination
- September 9 – Polling (if required) between 10 AM and 5 PM at the First Floor of Parliament House
The Vice President of India is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament.
Opposition Response: Will INDIA Bloc Field a Candidate?
While the NDA has finalized its nominee, the INDIA bloc (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) is yet to announce its decision. Sources suggest that Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge is in talks with other alliance leaders to discuss a possible joint candidate.
If the INDIA bloc decides to contest, the election could see a direct NDA vs INDIA face-off. Otherwise, CP Radhakrishnan may be elected unopposed.
Who is CP Radhakrishnan?
- Senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu
- Currently serving as Governor of Maharashtra (since July 2024)
- Former Governor of Jharkhand
- Twice elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Coimbatore
- Known for his grassroots connect, legislative expertise, and constitutional knowledge
With CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice Presidential nominee, the NDA has projected a candidate with rich parliamentary experience, gubernatorial leadership, and grassroots credibility. Backed by Prime Minister Modi and BJP leadership, Radhakrishnan is expected to bring humility, intellect, and service-driven governance to the second-highest constitutional office of India.
The stage is now set for the Vice Presidential election on September 9, 2025, and all eyes are on whether the INDIA bloc fields a challenger or supports a unanimous consensus.