CP Radhakrishnan Likely to Be India’s Next Vice President: BJP’s Strategic Move Explained

 

CP Radhakrishnan Likely to Be India’s Next Vice President: BJP led NDA Government announced on 17th August 2025, that CP Radhakrishnan will be Vice President Candidate from their side on Vice President election on 9th September.

Who is CP Radhakrishnan?

 

CP Radhakrishnan is a veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu.

Born in 1957 in Tiruppur, a major textile hub, he rose through the ranks of the RSS-BJP fold.

CP Radhakrishnan had twice been elected as a Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, winning on a BJP ticket in 1998 and 1999.

In 2000, he served as the BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president, playing a key role in building the party’s base in a state traditionally dominated by regional players like DMK and AIADMK.

Later, he was also a member of important parliamentary committees, including those on textiles and public sector undertakings.

His administrative experience grew when he was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand in 2023, and later as the Governor of Maharashtra in July 2024. He has also handled additional charges for other states during his tenure.

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Surprise Resignation Controversy

 

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health reasons. This was unprecedented in Indian history, as never before had a sitting Vice President stepped down on medical grounds.

The resignation came on the very first day of the monsoon session of Parliament, raising speculation about political undercurrents.

While the official reason was health issues, many theories suggest pressure from an accepted opposition resolution in the Delhi High Court could have played a role.

So now, the Vice President’s post vacant, the stage is now set for elections. The BJP-led NDA has already named its candidate—Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan.

Why BJP Chose CP Radhakrishnan as Vice President Candidate?

 

The choice of Radhakrishnan is not just about rewarding a loyal leader but also a strategic political move.

With general elections in Tamil Nadu approaching next year, BJP is keen to expand its footprint in the southern state.

By nominating a Tamil Nadu leader to one of the top constitutional posts, the party hopes to appeal to Tamil sentiment.

Another reason is his clean image and reputation for discipline and organization. His background makes him a suitable choice to preside over the Rajya Sabha as its Chairperson—one of the key responsibilities of the Vice President.

How Vice President Election is Conducted in India?

 

The Vice President is elected solely by Members of Parliament.

Both the Lok Sabha (543 members) and Rajya Sabha (245 members, including 12 nominated) take part in the vote. Currently, with some vacancies, the strength stands at 782 MPs.

The election is conducted through the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote means Each MP ranks the candidates in order of preference.

To win, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the valid votes, i.e., 392 votes if all MPs participate.

Currently, the NDA bloc commands over 425 MPs, giving Radhakrishnan a comfortable majority. Unless the opposition fields a strong united candidate, his victory seems almost certain.

Role and Powers of the Vice President

 

The Vice President of India holds a crucial constitutional role:

1. Chairman of Rajya Sabha

• He presides over sessions, ensures discipline, breaks ties in voting, and manages parliamentary procedures.
• In today’s charged political climate, the ruling party values a presiding officer aligned with their agenda.

2. First in Line to Presidency

• If the President resigns, dies, or becomes incapacitated, the Vice President assumes charge as Acting President until a new election is held.

Thus, the Vice President is not just a symbolic position but a critical player in India’s parliamentary democracy.

Governor CP Radhakrishnan of the Maharashtra State Can Contest in Vice President Election?

 

A common question is whether a sitting Governor can contest the Vice President’s election. The Constitution bars candidates holding an “office of profit” from contesting. However, President, Vice President, Governors, and Ministers are exempt from this definition.

This means Radhakrishnan is fully eligible to contest while being Governor of Maharashtra.

Once elected, however, he must resign from the gubernatorial post before taking oath as Vice President.

Opposition’s Dilemma With CP Radhakrishnan Candidature

 

So far, the opposition bloc has not announced a candidate.

If they fail to put forward a name, Radhakrishnan will be elected unopposed.

Even if they contest, the NDA’s numbers give it a clear advantage.

However, opposing a Tamil Nadu leader could allow BJP to portray the opposition as “anti-Tamil,” adding a political risk for DMK and its allies in the state.

Why CP Radhakrishnan as Vice president Matters for BJP

 

For the BJP, this decision is more than just filling a vacancy. It strengthens its parliamentary strategy and expands its political outreach in Tamil Nadu.

With Radhakrishnan’s elevation, BJP can:

This showcase its commitment to southern representation in national politics.

BJP Secure a dependable Chairman in Rajya Sabha during critical legislative battles.

Gain leverage in Tamil Nadu ahead of elections.

Conclusion: A Done Deal And CP Radhakrishnan be Next Vice President of India?

 

Looking at the numbers and political equations, it appears almost certain that C.P. Radhakrishnan will be India’s next Vice President.

His experience as Governor, background in Tamil Nadu politics, and organizational skills make him a strong choice.

For BJP, this is both a symbolic and strategic win. For India, it marks the entry of another seasoned leader into one of the highest constitutional offices.

 

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