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Radhakrishnan’s VP Journey Begins: NDA’s Chosen One Files with Modi’s Stamp of Approval

Swarnadwip Nath Published Aug 20, 2025, 01:05 PM Updated Sep 16, 2026, 11:14 PM

In a significant political event marking the lead-up to the 2025 Vice Presidential election, National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate CP Radhakrishnan formally filed his nomination papers on August 20, 2025, at the Parliament House in New Delhi. The filing was a high-profile affair, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders, including Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, and others, accompanying Radhakrishnan, demonstrating the coalition's united front and overwhelming support for his candidature.

The Ceremony and Political Significance

CP Radhakrishnan’s nomination was filed in four sets of papers, each backed by 20 proposers and 20 seconders from the NDA, signaling widespread consensus within the alliance. Prime Minister Modi served as the chief proposer for the first set, underscoring his endorsement and the importance the ruling coalition places on Radhakrishnan’s Vice Presidential bid.

Before submitting his nomination, Radhakrishnan paid homage at the Prerna Sthal memorial in the Parliament premises—a symbolic gesture reflecting his respect for India’s democratic and constitutional heritage.

The event saw a gathering of about 160 NDA members, including ministers and Members of Parliament, reflecting the alliance's strong parliamentary presence. The candidate’s nomination came after a unanimous decision by NDA floor leaders, meeting at Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s residence, endorsing Radhakrishnan’s candidature as a strategic and unifying choice.

Who Is CP Radhakrishnan?

CP Radhakrishnan, currently serving as the Governor of Meghalaya, is a seasoned BJP leader with over four decades of experience in public service. His career spans roles as a Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, several key administrative positions, and gubernatorial postings including Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Known for his legislative acumen, grassroots connect, and a clean, controversy-free record, Radhakrishnan is regarded as a safe and strategic candidate by the NDA.

Prime Minister Modi lauded Radhakrishnan’s humility, intellect, and sustained commitment to community service and social empowerment, emphasizing his suitability for the Vice President’s office. Modi described his long-standing camaraderie with Radhakrishnan and urged all parliamentarians to support his unanimous election.

The Upcoming Vice Presidential Election

The Vice Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, 2025, and will be conducted by an electoral college comprising 782 members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Unlike the presidential election, state legislative assemblies do not participate in the vote. Voting will be by secret ballot, ensuring confidentiality and democratic fairness.

With the NDA's numerical advantage in Parliament, Radhakrishnan is widely considered the front-runner, though the opposition has announced former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as their candidate, guaranteeing a contest.

Political Context and Strategic Considerations

This election follows the resignation of the previous Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, due to health reasons, necessitating an early election. The NDA’s choice of Radhakrishnan reflects a calculated decision to balance regional representation—with his South Indian roots—alongside ideological alignment and administrative experience.

Analysts note that Radhakrishnan’s longstanding association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his reputation as a grassroots leader bolster his appeal within the broader NDA coalition. His nomination also represents a strategic attempt to consolidate votes by appealing beyond the core BJP base.

What Lies Ahead?

In the coming weeks, the focus will shift to campaigning and securing votes within the parliament. The NDA’s robust organizational machine and the public endorsement by Prime Minister Modi provide considerable momentum for Radhakrishnan’s campaign.

The election outcome will be a key milestone in India’s political calendar, impacting the functioning of the Rajya Sabha—the Vice President is its ex-officio Chairman—and symbolizing the government’s ability to maintain support across the political spectrum.

Relevant Sources: NDTV, DD News, New Indian Express, India TV News, Economic Times, Times of India

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