The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its nominee for the Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9th. The move not only positions a veteran politician with deep organisational roots but also places Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, the DMK, in an awkward spot.
A Non-Controversial Pick from Tamil Nadu
Radhakrishnan, who hails from Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, is regarded as a soft-spoken, consensus-building leader with decades of experience in both parliamentary and party politics. A two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, he has also served as the state BJP president and is seen as a figure who maintains cordial relations across the political spectrum. His elevation to the Vice-Presidential race underscores the NDA’s intention to expand its influence in southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where the BJP has traditionally struggled for electoral foothold.
DMK’s Political Dilemma
The nomination has put the DMK in a politically sensitive position. On one hand, the party has consistently opposed the BJP and aligned itself with the broader INDIA opposition bloc, which is expected to field a common candidate against the NDA’s choice. On the other, Radhakrishnan is a Tamil leader with a largely clean and non-controversial public image. Any outright rejection of his candidacy may be portrayed by rivals as the DMK turning its back on a son of the soil.
Political analysts suggest that while the DMK is unlikely to break ranks with the opposition, the optics of opposing a Tamil candidate backed by the ruling alliance could become a talking point in state politics. The decision will test the DMK’s balancing act between ideological commitment to federal opposition unity and regional pride in supporting a Tamil leader at the national level.
Signals from the NDA
By putting forward Radhakrishnan, the BJP has sent a multi-layered political signal. The choice reinforces the party’s outreach in the South, assures its cadre of ideological continuity, and projects the NDA as accommodating leaders from diverse regions. The nomination also avoids the pitfalls of controversy, as Radhakrishnan’s record has largely been free from divisive rhetoric.
What Next?
The opposition INDIA bloc is scheduled to meet on Monday to decide its Vice-Presidential nominee. While the election numbers favour the NDA, the coming weeks will reveal how much symbolic weight the contest carries, particularly in shaping narratives around regional representation and national unity.
