Key Points

PM Modi endorsed NDA’s Vice Presidential nominee CP Radhakrishnan, emphasizing his administrative track record. The BJP’s OBC outreach gained momentum as JD-U committed its 16 MPs to Radhakrishnan’s candidacy. Opposition’s INDIA bloc delayed announcing its candidate while Rajnath Singh lobbied DMK for cross-party support. The former Coimbatore MP’s RSS background and Maharashtra governorship position him as a consensus builder ahead of the September 9 vote.

Key Points: PM Modi Backs NDA VP Nominee CP Radhakrishnan Citing Public Service

  • Modi highlights Radhakrishnan’s governance experience for VP role
  • JD-U pledges support strengthening NDA’s electoral math
  • Defence Minister Rajnath seeks DMK backing for OBC nominee
  • Radhakrishnan’s RSS roots and Tamil Nadu connect add strategic value
3 min read

'Long years of public service, experience will enrich our nation': PM Modi meets NDA's Vice Presidential nominee

PM Modi meets NDA VP candidate CP Radhakrishnan, praising his experience as Bihar CM Nitish Kumar extends JD-U's support ahead of Sept 9 election.

"His long years of public service will greatly enrich our nation - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, Aug 18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, who has been announced as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote: "Met Thiru C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji. Conveyed my best wishes on his being the NDA’s Vice-Presidential nominee. His long years of public service and experience across domains will greatly enrich our nation. May he continue to serve the nation with the same dedication and resolve he has always demonstrated."

Radhakrishnan also posted about the meeting on X, saying: "Blessed and honoured to meet our beloved people’s leader, our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji today in New Delhi."

Earlier on Monday, the BJP congratulated Radhakrishnan on his nomination and thanked PM Modi for choosing a candidate from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The election for the Vice President is scheduled to take place on September 9.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the BJP’s decision to nominate Radhakrishnan, stating in a post on X: "The decision to make Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan the NDA candidate for the post of Vice President is welcome. JD-U will support C.P. Radhakrishnan. Best wishes to him."

The JD-U’s support is significant, as the party holds 12 seats in the Lok Sabha and four in the Rajya Sabha, all of which are expected to go to the NDA candidate in the election.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal, confirmed that the INDIA bloc will announce its Vice-Presidential candidate later on Monday. Consultations among alliance partners are currently underway.

In an effort to garner wider support for Radhakrishnan’s candidacy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached out to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over phone. Singh, who has been tasked with coordinating with key opposition leaders, urged Stalin and the DMK to support the NDA nominee.

Radhakrishnan, a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, was nominated after deliberations between Prime Minister Modi, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and other senior party leaders.

The 67-year-old leader has served two terms in the Lok Sabha representing Coimbatore and is currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra. Known for his decades-long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, Radhakrishnan is regarded as a grassroots leader with strong organisational acumen and a reputation for integrity.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the experience he brings, I hope the Vice President's office maintains its non-partisan character. The position should rise above party politics for the nation's benefit.
A
Ananya R
It's good to see representation from South India in such an important constitutional position. As a Tamilian, I'm proud that someone from our state is being considered for VP! 🙌
V
Vikram M
The fact that he comes from OBC background shows BJP's commitment to social justice. Hope he gets support from all parties - this shouldn't be about politics but nation building.
K
Kavya N
Interesting to see Nitish Kumar supporting this nomination despite being in INDIA bloc. Maybe some opposition leaders recognize merit beyond party lines? Food for thought!
M
Michael C
His administrative experience as Governor will be valuable in the Vice President's role. The Rajya Sabha needs someone who understands both politics and governance.
P
Priya S
Hope the opposition comes up with an equally qualified candidate. Healthy competition is good for democracy. Let's see who INDIA bloc nominates!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50