Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, who has been announced as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the Vice-Presidential election, will travel to Delhi on Monday, BJP sources confirmed.
Before his departure, Radhakrishnan is scheduled to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
On Sunday, BJP National President JP Nadda formally declared Radhakrishnan as the NDA’s Vice-Presidential nominee. The decision, taken unanimously by the party’s parliamentary board after consultations with allies and the opposition, sets the stage for the election on September 9.
Currently serving as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra since July 31, 2024, Radhakrishnan earlier held gubernatorial roles in Jharkhand, Telangana (additional charge), and Puducherry. A seasoned BJP leader, he represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha twice and also served as Tamil Nadu BJP president.
The Congress, however, criticised the nomination, describing Radhakrishnan as “another RSS man.” Party MP Manickam Tagore remarked on social media, “Vice President of India. After PM, Speaker now… Another institution, another battle to protect. Hope INDIA decides.”
The Vice-President’s post fell vacant following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health reasons. The Vice President is elected for a five-year term by an electoral college comprising MPs from both Houses of Parliament.
As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution, the election is conducted through proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, with voting done via secret ballot. The process is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, under the notification of the Election Commission.