New Delhi, August 17: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday named Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, scheduled to be held on September 9.
The announcement was made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda following a meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Board in the national capital.
“At the parliamentary board meeting, we all unanimously decided on the VP candidate, Mr. CP Radhakrishnan. We had earlier discussed the candidature with our alliance partners in the NDA, and will also hold consultations with opposition parties to ensure a smooth election process,” Nadda said at a press conference.
Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader, is currently serving as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra, a position he assumed on July 31, 2024. He had earlier served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024, while also holding additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024.
A two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore and former Tamil Nadu BJP State President, Radhakrishnan is regarded as one of the senior-most leaders from the party in southern India.
According to the Election Commission, polling for the Vice Presidential election will be conducted on September 9, with counting scheduled the same day. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, while candidates can withdraw their names until August 25.
The Vice Presidential post fell vacant following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Dhankhar stepped down citing health reasons.
“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution,” Dhankhar wrote in his resignation letter.
