In a strategic political outreach ahead of the September 9 vice-presidential election, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met BJD chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, seeking his party’s support for NDA nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan. Sources said Singh enquired about Patnaik’s health while also directly requesting BJD’s backing, citing the need for cross-party consensus in the high-stakes contest.
NDA Announces C.P. Radhakrishnan as Candidate
The BJP parliamentary board, chaired by party president J.P. Nadda in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and senior leaders, formally named C.P. Radhakrishnan as the NDA’s candidate. Currently the Governor of Maharashtra, Radhakrishnan is seen as a seasoned BJP veteran and a strong contender for the vice presidency.
Radhakrishnan’s Political Journey
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan began his career as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteer before joining the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. As state BJP president in Tamil Nadu, he led a remarkable 93-day rath yatra (2003–2006) on issues like river interlinking, anti-terror campaigns, and the eradication of untouchability. The campaign strengthened his image as a grassroots mobiliser.
Parliamentary and Administrative Roles
Radhakrishnan was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore (1998, 1999), where he served on committees related to textiles, finance, and public sector enterprises. His administrative career has included terms as Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, before taking charge as Maharashtra’s Governor in July 2024. His gubernatorial roles showcased his administrative acumen across diverse political landscapes.
A Signal to the South
Analysts view Radhakrishnan’s nomination as a strategic message to southern India, blending ideological roots with governance experience. The NDA’s outreach to regional players such as the BJD underscores the importance of coalition politics in national elections. With Singh actively engaging regional leaders, the NDA is pushing to build a broader consensus.
Will BJD Tilt the Balance?
The BJD’s response is now being closely watched. Patnaik’s support could help the NDA project a united face and potentially smooth the way for a historic consensus election. For the BJP, Radhakrishnan’s mix of activism and statesmanship is expected to dominate the campaign narrative, while the focus remains on whether regional allies will play along in this critical political exercise.
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