CP Radhakrishnan: A man with strong pan-South India appeal; he also comes with strong connection with BJP’s ideological fountainhead RSS and unlike former VP Jagdeep Dhankhar does not carry any political baggage, say analysts
The BJP on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan—former president of the party’s Tamil Nadu unit with strong RSS connection—as the ruling NDA’s candidate for the Vice-Presidential elections to be held shortly.The former Lok Sabha MP has also served as the Governor of Jharkhand and is credited for strengthening the saffron foundation in South India during his tenure as the Tamil Nadu BJP president, analysts say
In those terms the BJP’s VP choice ahead of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu early next year is in line with the party’s attempts to strengthen roots in South India. Apart from this, Radhakrishnan is also expected to improve BJP’s electoral prospects in Tamil Nadu by helping smoothen matters with former ally AIADMK, given his good relationship with the Dravidian parties in the state.
BJP president JP Nadda has sought Opposition’s support for Radhakrishnan and hoped for a “unanimous election,” whether rival parties will agree remains to be seen
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him for “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. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance,” he said
Poles apart from former VP Dhankar
Radhakrishnan will replace Jagdeep Dhankhar who, analysts say, is “poles apart in both strategic and pan-South Indian appeal” from the former VP.
As a political person he is seen as inclusive, plus coming from the Sangh’ background he fits the saffron requirements perfectly. Analysts say his temperament also fits the key Constitutional role better as the Rajya Sabha needs balance and not aggression.
Dhankhar was picked in 2022 amid farmers’ protests and was seen as a message to Jats that they are a part of the central power structure.
Radhakrishnan, who also signals social engineering, fits the BJP’s expansion plans in South India—where apart from Karnataka the saffron party has not been able to do much in other four states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
A man with strong pan- South India appeal, he comes with strong connection with BJP’s ideological fountainhead RSS and unlike Dhankhar does not carry any political baggage.
