The National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Vice Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan formally filed his nomination papers today in Parliament, accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior cabinet ministers, and top NDA leaders. The development marks the ruling coalition’s full-scale push ahead of the Vice Presidential election scheduled later this month.
The Nomination Event
Radhakrishnan, a two-time Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu and currently serving as the Governor of Jharkhand, filed his papers before the Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha. He was flanked by Prime Minister Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several NDA allies, underscoring the coalition’s unified stance behind his candidature.
Who is CP Radhakrishnan?
Radhakrishnan is a veteran BJP leader known for his organisational skills and long association with the party in Tamil Nadu. As Governor of Jharkhand, he was credited with improving state-centre coordination on welfare and infrastructure projects. His nomination reflects the NDA’s strategy to highlight leaders with administrative experience and political depth.
PM Modi’s Endorsement
Prime Minister Modi praised Radhakrishnan’s “dedication to public service and tireless work for national development,” expressing confidence that he would bring dignity and efficiency to the office of Vice President. Party leaders described him as a “bridge-builder” capable of strengthening parliamentary traditions.
Political Context
The Vice Presidential election comes at a time of heightened political competition, with the opposition INDIA bloc nominating former Supreme Court Judge Sudershan Reddy as its candidate. The contest is expected to be closely watched, though the NDA currently enjoys a numerical advantage in Parliament.
Why This Matters
The Vice President of India also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, making the role crucial for managing legislative business, especially in an era of frequent disruptions and sharp polarisation. Analysts say Radhakrishnan’s experience could help the government steer key bills through the upper house.
What Lies Ahead
With nominations now filed, the focus shifts to the campaign and eventual polling. The election result will not only determine the next Vice President but also signal the balance of power and strategy between the NDA and opposition ahead of the next general election.
