The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has triggered political debate by nominating C. P. Radhakrishnan for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, marking a clear departure from the style and symbolism of incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar. The move reflects calculated social engineering and an attempt to strengthen the party’s regional reach in the South.
Dhankhar’s Controversial Tenure
For over two years, the opposition has questioned the impartiality of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar. His combative approach, sharp interventions, and confrontational rhetoric often turned parliamentary proceedings into heated exchanges. As a former Supreme Court advocate and Governor of West Bengal, his tenure was defined by frequent clashes with Mamata Banerjee’s government and suspicions of bias toward the ruling BJP.
A Stark Contrast: The Rise of Radhakrishnan
In contrast, Radhakrishnan represents a 180-degree turn in political style. A veteran of the Jan Sangh and a staunch RSS ideologue since the age of 17, he is known for his steadiness and composure rather than fiery rhetoric. Analysts suggest that his ideological consistency and calm demeanor make him a more suitable figure to uphold neutrality as Vice-President and Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Social Engineering and Southern Outreach
The nomination also signals BJP’s twin strategy: reinforcing OBC representation while expanding its footprint in southern India. Radhakrishnan, hailing from Tamil Nadu, has shown consistent alignment with the Union government, even in the face of DMK-led opposition. His firm but restrained response to controversies such as Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatan Dharma further highlights his controlled yet loyal style.
Dhankhar’s Aggressive Image vs. Radhakrishnan’s Composure
While Dhankhar’s tenure was marked by headline-grabbing clashes and an overtly legalistic style, Radhakrishnan’s temperament is expected to bring balance to the Upper House. A senior BJP leader observed: “Parliament lives on balance, not hype.” The choice underscores a deliberate attempt by the party to move towards a less confrontational, more stable parliamentary atmosphere.
An Era of Ideological Realignment
Beyond individual differences, the shift reflects BJP’s broader political realignment. By nominating Radhakrishnan, the party reinforces its ideological roots while broadening outreach to OBC communities and southern states. Whether this move will bridge divides with opponents or spark new fault lines remains uncertain, but the Vice-Presidency appears set to enter a less noisy—though no less significant—phase.
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