V-P contest: NDA's CP Radhakrishnan vs INDIA's B Sudershan Reddy

BJP-led NDA nominates Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as vice-presidential candidate; INDIA bloc fields former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy. Nominations begin August 20; election set for September 9.

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Photograph: (Open Source)

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At a parliamentary board meeting at BJP headquarters in Delhi, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) officially nominated Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the vice-presidential election. BJP president JP Nadda, announcing the decision, emphasised their aim for a unanimous election and noted that they had initiated outreach to opposition leaders as well.

Why CP Radhakrishnan

Radhakrishnan, a 67-year-old veteran leader from Tamil Nadu, brings three key strengths to the NDA’s strategy:

• His long-term ideological roots with the RSS and reputation as a non-controversial, consensus-builder.

• Representation from the influential Gounder OBC community in Tamil Nadu, aiding NDA’s efforts to broaden caste and regional appeal.

• Smooth alliance-building across NDA constituents, appealing for both ideological coherence and political utility.

Enter the Challenger: INDIA Bloc’s Response

The INDIA bloc swiftly announced its counter-candidate, former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, setting the stage for a high-profile contest.

Political ripples in Tamil Nadu

Radhakrishnan’s nomination has put the DMK in a political bind, with regional pride pushing some Tamil Nadu parties—like AIADMK and Tamil Maanila Congress—to urge the DMK to back him.

NDA seeks broad consensus

Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are engaging with other parties to secure wider backing—including from the opposition—for Radhakrishnan’s candidacy. Modi described him as humble, experienced, and beyond controversy.

Election schedule & numbers game

• Nomination filing: August 20, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, with all NDA floor leaders set to serve as proposers and seconders.

• Last date for filings: August 21

• Withdrawal deadline: August 25

• Poll & counting: Scheduled for September 9.
  Thanks to its majority in the electoral college, the NDA is well-positioned, even though the INDIA bloc is mobilising support and aligning on strategy.

Key election timeline

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