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Key Points

Congress leader Udit Raj has criticized the BJP-led NDA’s nomination of Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan for Vice President, citing RSS influence. He accused PM Modi of using the move to strengthen BJP’s base in Tamil Nadu. Raj also warned Radhakrishnan about the reduced stature of the VP post under the current government. The opposition is assessing its strategy as the NDA holds a numerical edge in the upcoming election.

Key Points: Udit Raj Slams RSS-Linked Radhakrishnan as NDA VP Nominee

  • Udit Raj alleges RSS influence in Radhakrishnan’s VP nomination
  • Questions Modi’s political motives in Tamil Nadu
  • Warns Radhakrishnan of diminished VP role under BJP
  • Opposition weighs response amid NDA’s electoral advantage
2 min read

Congress leader Udit Raj targets NDA's V-P nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan, questions RSS role

Congress leader Udit Raj questions BJP's VP pick C.P. Radhakrishnan, alleges RSS influence and Modi's political motives in Tamil Nadu.

"PM Modi is trying to achieve three objectives — to appease RSS, strengthen BJP in Tamil Nadu, and reserve the President post. — Udit Raj"

New Delhi, Aug 17

Congress leader Udit Raj on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for nominating Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as its Vice-Presidential candidate, alleging that the move was aimed at serving internal political objectives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In a post on social media platform X, Udit Raj wrote: "RSS background Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan is NDA’s Vice-Presidential candidate. PM Modi is trying to achieve three objectives — to appease RSS, to strengthen the base of BJP in Tamil Nadu and to reserve the President post for himself or his coterie. Thus, RSS can’t bat for this important post."

The Congress leader further offered what he termed “unsolicited advice” to Radhakrishnan, urging him to reflect on the “plight” of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar before accepting the nomination.

“Before he accepts the offer, he should keep in mind the plight of Mr Dhankad (sic),” Udit Raj said, suggesting that the Vice President’s role had been diminished under the Modi government.

Radhakrishnan, a two-time MP from Coimbatore and a veteran with RSS roots, currently serves as the Governor of Maharashtra.

If elected, he will be the second OBC leader to occupy the constitutional post of Vice President.

While the BJP has projected his candidature as an attempt to give greater national representation to Tamil Nadu, the Congress has questioned the intent behind the move.

Udit Raj’s remarks come at a time when opposition parties are assessing their response to the NDA’s choice, amid speculation over whether the election will see a contest or emerge as a consensus.

The Vice-Presidential election will be held next month, with the NDA enjoying a numerical advantage in the electoral college comprising both Houses of Parliament.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As someone from Tamil Nadu, I appreciate that BJP is finally giving representation to our state at the national level. C.P. Radhakrishnan is an experienced leader with clean image. Udit Raj's comments seem like sour grapes.
A
Aman W
While I don't support BJP, I must say Udit Raj's comments about Dhankhar were unnecessary. The Vice President's role is constitutional, not political. Such personal attacks weaken our democratic discourse.
K
Kavya N
Interesting how BJP is balancing caste equations here - an OBC leader from South India. Smart political move, but hope governance doesn't take a backseat to political calculations. The VP should uphold constitutional values above all.
V
Varun X
RSS background or not, what matters is competence! We've seen how previous VPs conducted themselves. Let's judge Radhakrishnan by his actions, not his affiliations. The position deserves respect regardless of politics.
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Priyanka N
The real question is - does the Vice President's post have any significance anymore? Or is it just ceremonial? Both parties have reduced its importance over the years. Sad state of our constitutional offices 😔

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