CP Radhakrishnan enters vice-presidential race as NDA’s official nominee

CP Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)’s candidate for the post of Vice President, officially filed his nomination papers in New Delhi on Wednesday. The filing took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the chief proposer for his candidacy. Along with the Prime Minister, several senior union ministers and leaders of NDA’s partner parties were also present, making it a strong show of support. The Vice Presidential elections are scheduled for September 9, and this filing marks the formal beginning of Radhakrishnan’s journey towards one of the highest constitutional offices in India.

The nomination event was held at the Parliament complex, where Radhakrishnan, accompanied by leaders like Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Nitin Gadkari, went to the office of the Secretary General to submit his papers. Leaders from NDA’s allied parties also joined the occasion, including Rajiv Ranjan Singh of the Janata Dal (United), HD Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal (Secular), Shrikant Shinde of the Shiv Sena, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal, Ram Mohan Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party, AIADMK leader Thambidurai, Vinod Tawde from the BJP, and Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan. Their presence underlined the wide backing Radhakrishnan enjoys within the NDA fold.

Before filing his nomination, Radhakrishnan visited Prerna Sthal and offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. This gesture, symbolic and respectful, reflected his commitment to values of humility and service, qualities that both his supporters and the Prime Minister later highlighted as his strengths.

Modi recalls old ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing NDA lawmakers earlier this week, spoke warmly about his four-decade-old association with CP Radhakrishnan. He recalled that Radhakrishnan, who had served as a Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, was elected twice to the Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999. According to Modi, what stands out about him is not just his political career but also his clean reputation, humility, and dedication to public life. The Prime Minister emphasized that Radhakrishnan loves sports but, unlike many others in politics, does not play “political games.” This remark was meant to underline Radhakrishnan’s straightforwardness and integrity in public service.

Currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, Radhakrishnan has had a long association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His selection as the NDA’s vice-presidential candidate was finalized during the BJP’s parliamentary board meeting on Sunday, where the decision was endorsed by party president JP Nadda and other coalition partners. The announcement was seen as a recognition of his clean image and decades of work in both state and national politics.

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The Vice President of India holds a very significant role in the country’s parliamentary system, as the position also comes with the responsibility of being the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. By choosing a seasoned leader with a reputation for honesty and humility, the NDA has sent a signal that it wants a dignified, consensus-oriented leader in this role. For Radhakrishnan, the journey to this nomination is also a recognition of his political resilience and service, as he comes from Tamil Nadu—a state where the BJP has historically had limited influence, but where he has remained loyal to the party for decades.

The Vice Presidential elections are scheduled for September 9, and while the Opposition is yet to put forward its candidate, the NDA’s numbers in Parliament give Radhakrishnan a clear advantage. His supporters believe his election will add further credibility to the government’s effort of showcasing leaders who are clean, humble, and experienced. For many citizens, his nomination has already generated interest as he is seen as a leader who prefers quiet service over aggressive politics.

As the campaign begins, Radhakrishnan’s message of humility, honesty, and dedication is expected to resonate widely. His nomination also highlights how the NDA wants to project itself as a coalition that values experience, trust, and a clean image in public life. Whether in Parliament or outside, his selection reflects the belief that leadership must stand for values as much as it stands for political power.