What Makes C.P. Radhakrishnan the Strongest Choice for Vice President 2025: 4 Positive Insights
India is preparing for another crucial constitutional election. On 17 August 2025, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) declared C.P. The NDA has nominated C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is presently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, as its candidate for the Vice-Presidential election scheduled to be held on September 9, 2025. This announcement comes after Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation last month due to health reasons.
This development holds importance not only in politics but also in constitutional terms, as the Vice President is the second-highest authority in the country and carries a crucial responsibility in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha. For competitive exam aspirants, this news is equally important, as it connects politics, history, and constitutional law.
Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?
- Full Name: Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan
- Born: 20 October 1957, Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu
- Age: 68 years
- Current Position: Governor of Maharashtra (since July 2024)
- Past Roles:
- Governor of Jharkhand (2023–2024)
- Additional charge as Governor of Telangana and Puducherry (2024)
- Former President of Tamil Nadu BJP (2003–2006)
- Two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore (1998, 1999)
Known as the “Vajpayee of Coimbatore” for his affable nature, Radhakrishnan has a reputation for building alliances and maintaining cordial relations even with opposition parties like the DMK, which once supported his election.
Political Journey
C.P. Radhakrishnan began his political career with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jan Sangh in his youth. Over decades, he rose to prominence in the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit.
- 1998: First elected as MP from Coimbatore in the wake of the infamous Coimbatore bomb blasts that occurred during L.K. Advani’s election rally.
- 1999: Re-elected as MP with DMK’s backing.
- From 2003 to 2006, he led the Tamil Nadu BJP as its State President and is remembered for strengthening the party’s base in southern India.
- Governorship: Handled gubernatorial duties in Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra, showcasing administrative experience.
During his governorship, he actively worked on tuberculosis eradication campaigns and represented India abroad, visiting 24 countries in his career.
Why Did NDA Choose Him?
Several factors influenced the BJP’s decision to nominate him:
- Southern Outreach: BJP has long struggled in Tamil Nadu. Nominating a Tamil leader strengthens its symbolic connect with the state, especially ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
- RSS Credentials: As a lifelong RSS worker, Radhakrishnan has strong ideological roots aligned with the party.
- Affable Personality: Known for reaching across party lines, he is seen as someone who can smoothly conduct proceedings in Rajya Sabha, unlike his predecessor Dhankhar, who faced frequent clashes with the Opposition.
- Caste Representation: He belongs to the influential Kongu Vellala Gounder community, giving BJP an additional social edge in Tamil Nadu.
Constitutional Role of the Vice President
The Vice President of India is not just a ceremonial figure. The Constitution entrusts this office with several responsibilities:
- Article 63 of the Indian Constitution states that the country shall have a Vice President.
- Article 64: VP acts as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
- Article 65: In case of absence, death, or resignation of the President, the Vice President acts as the President of India.
- Resignation: The VP can resign by submitting a letter to the President.
Election Process
- In the Vice President’s election, the voting is done only by all elected as well as nominated members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Unlike the Presidential election, state legislators (MLAs) do not take part in this process.
- System Used: Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote.
- Secrecy: Voting is conducted by secret ballot.
- Supervision: Election Commission of India under Article 324.
For this election, the last date for nominations is August 21 and polling will be held on September 9, 2025. Results will be announced the same day.
Historical Facts About Vice Presidents
- First VP of India: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952–1962).
- Longest-serving: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (10 years).
- Krishan Kant remains the only Vice President of India to have passed away while still holding office, serving in the role from 1997 until his death in 2002.
- Two-term Vice Presidents: Dr. Radhakrishnan & Mohammad Hamid Ansari.
- Tamil Nadu Connection: If elected, C.P. Radhakrishnan will be only the second VP from Tamil Nadu, after R. Venkataraman (1984–1987).
Opposition’s Reactions
The announcement sparked mixed responses:
- Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticized the NDA’s decision, stating that the alliance has once again put forward a Vice-Presidential candidate with deep links to the RSS.
- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the INDIA bloc would hold discussions and take a collective decision on their stand regarding the election
- Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi: Acknowledged Radhakrishnan’s administrative background, hoping he would restore the dignity of the VP’s post.
- Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena UBT): Called him “a balanced personality” but emphasized INDIA bloc will take a joint decision.
So far, the INDIA bloc has not announced its candidate, but a contest is expected.
Exam Relevance: Why This News Matters for Aspirants
- Constitutional Knowledge: Questions can be asked on Articles 63–71 of the Indian Constitution (Vice President’s role and election).
- Current Affairs: Possible direct questions in UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams about C.P. Radhakrishnan’s nomination.
- 👉 Static GK Connection: Key facts about past Vice Presidents – including the longest tenure, notable firsts, and leaders from Tamil Nadu who held the post.
- Polity & Governance: Electoral college, proportional representation, and powers of Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
👉 Example MCQ:
Q. Who among the following has been nominated as NDA’s Vice-Presidential candidate for 2025?
a) Jagdeep Dhankhar
b) C.P. Radhakrishnan
c) Venkaiah Naidu
d) Manickam Tagore
(Answer: b)
Trivia Box 📝
- C.P. Radhakrishnan is nicknamed the “Vajpayee of Coimbatore” for his calm and consensus-driven style.
- If elected, he will be only the second Vice President from Tamil Nadu in independent India’s history.
- The 11th Constitutional Amendment (1961) changed the VP election process from a joint sitting of Parliament to the current system of proportional representation.
FAQs on Vice President Election 2025
Q1. Why did Jagdeep Dhankhar resign as Vice President?
He resigned in July 2025 citing health reasons, making the VP post vacant.
Q2. On which date is the Vice Presidential Election 2025 scheduled to take place?
The Vice Presidential election will be held on 9 September 2025, with both polling and the announcement of results scheduled for the same day.
Q3. Who can vote in Vice Presidential elections?
The Vice President of India is chosen by an electoral college made up of both elected and nominated members from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Q4. What is the minimum age to become Vice President?
At least 35 years old and eligible to be elected as a Rajya Sabha member.
Q5. How is the Vice President removed?
Through a resolution approved by the Rajya Sabha by a majority vote and then agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
Q6. Who served as the very first Vice President of India?
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the first person to serve as the Vice President of India, and he later went on to become the President of the country.
Q7. What occurs when the Vice President assumes the responsibilities of the President?
During that period, he does not perform his Rajya Sabha duties and does not receive the Chairman’s salary.
Conclusion
The nomination of C.P. Radhakrishnan reflects the NDA’s political strategy and constitutional responsibility. Beyond the politics, this moment reminds us that the Vice President’s office is not merely symbolic—it plays a decisive role in India’s legislative process and governance.
For citizens, this is a chance to witness how political alignments shape constitutional offices. For exam aspirants, it’s an opportunity to revise constitutional provisions and link them with current events.
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