The ruling National Democratic Alliance has named Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader belonging to a key OBC caste from Tamil Nadu with a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh background, as its vice-presidential candidate.
Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda made the announcement following a meeting of the party’s parliamentary board, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and consultation with the party’s allies.
Nadda appealed for unanimous election of Radhakrishnan (67), an OBC leader and two-time former member of Lok Sabha from Coimbatore, to the constitutional position, saying BJP leaders had spoken to the opposition parties over the last week and will reach out to them again.
Opposition leaders had told the BJP interlocutors that they can make up their mind only after being told of the ruling alliance’s nominee, Nadda said, adding that his party will speak to them to reach a consensus over Radhakrishnan, whom he lauded as a “statesman”.
In Radhakrishnan, the BJP has trusted a leader with a proven organsiational and ideological commitment, a far cry from its choice of his predecessor, Jagdeep Dhankhar.
In his reaction, Modi said on X, “Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu.
