A Swift Political Turn
The vice-presidential election, scheduled for September 9, has suddenly shifted the political spotlight. What began as a routine constitutional exercise has quickly morphed into a strategic battleground between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition’s INDIA bloc. The NDA moved decisively by naming Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as its nominee, while the Opposition scrambles to forge unity around a counter candidate. The suddenness of the announcement has forced both camps to re-evaluate their strategies, not just for the election itself but also for its broader political messaging.
BJP’s Surprise Nominee: CP Radhakrishnan
The NDA’s choice of CP Radhakrishnan has been described by many observers as a masterstroke. A veteran politician, former BJP Tamil Nadu chief, two-time MP, and currently Maharashtra’s Governor, Radhakrishnan brings both administrative experience and a regional balancing factor. By fielding a Tamilian, the BJP signals its intent to deepen its presence in southern India, a region where its footprint remains comparatively limited.
Equally significant is his long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Supporters argue this strengthens his ideological credentials, while critics, especially from the Opposition, question whether his candidacy reflects BJP’s dominance over the NDA’s decision-making. Nonetheless, his reputation as a calm and balanced leader has even drawn praise from adversaries like Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), whose leader Sanjay Raut called him “a very balanced personality.”
Opposition’s Dilemma: Searching for Consensus
The Opposition’s INDIA bloc, caught off guard by the NDA’s move, is working to finalize a joint nominee. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has convened a key meeting of alliance leaders to settle the matter. Unlike the NDA, which quickly closed ranks behind Radhakrishnan, the Opposition is juggling competing preferences and regional sensitivities.
On the table are both political and non-political names. Sources suggest serious consideration is being given to Tiruchi Siva, a senior DMK MP from Tamil Nadu. His candidacy could serve as a direct counter to the NDA’s southern outreach. Yet, this choice is not without risk: the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been advocating for a neutral, non-political figure, fearing that a conventional politician might fracture consensus. Memories of the last vice-presidential election—when TMC abstained over the Opposition’s choice of Margaret Alva—loom large.
Non-Political Alternatives: Scientists and Icons
To avoid a repeat of past discord, some Opposition leaders are keen on putting forward a non-political figure who could command wider respect across the aisle. Among those reportedly under consideration is M. Annadurai, the former ISRO scientist who played a crucial role in India’s Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions. His reputation as a technocrat and visionary could help the Opposition frame its choice as above partisan lines.
Another suggestion floated within the bloc is to select a candidate with symbolic resonance, such as a descendant of Mahatma Gandhi or a prominent Dalit leader. This strategy could help project inclusivity while drawing moral legitimacy to their campaign. However, the challenge remains: finding one individual who satisfies the ideological diversity and political compulsions of nearly two dozen Opposition parties.
Mixed Reactions to Radhakrishnan’s Candidature
The NDA’s early announcement has already triggered a range of responses across the political spectrum. Congress MP Manickam Tagore and Samajwadi Party’s Virendra Singh criticized Radhakrishnan’s RSS ties, alleging that his selection was driven by ideological loyalty rather than coalition consensus. Singh went further, claiming that the decision reflected RSS control over NDA’s internal processes.
Yet, not all Opposition voices were dismissive. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) signaled openness, with Sanjay Raut acknowledging that his elevation as Vice President would be welcome, even if his party ultimately sides with the INDIA bloc’s nominee. The DMK, however, strongly rejected the idea that nominating a Tamilian inherently represented pro-Tamil Nadu politics. Party spokesperson TKS Elangovan accused the BJP of ignoring the state’s developmental needs while using symbolism for electoral gain.
The Political Stakes: More Than a Formal Role
Though the Vice President’s office is largely seen as ceremonial—serving as the Rajya Sabha’s chairperson—the election has become a proxy battle for influence. For the BJP, securing the post with a South Indian leader bolsters its narrative of national inclusiveness and strengthens its southern pitch ahead of future electoral contests.
For the Opposition, the challenge is less about winning and more about demonstrating unity. After internal divisions marred its efforts in the last VP election, the INDIA bloc wants to project coherence and maturity this time. A consensus pick, whether a seasoned politician like Tiruchi Siva or a neutral figure like Annadurai, would signal that the alliance can work together despite differing agendas.
An Election Beyond Numbers
The upcoming vice-presidential contest is shaping up to be less about arithmetic—where the NDA clearly has the upper hand—and more about political messaging. By nominating CP Radhakrishnan, the BJP has executed a clever maneuver that appeals simultaneously to its ideological base and to southern aspirations. The Opposition, meanwhile, faces the tougher task of balancing ambition with compromise, unity with diversity.
Whichever candidate emerges from the INDIA bloc’s deliberations, the election will be read as a test of the Opposition’s cohesion and the BJP’s ability to dictate the political narrative. Beyond September 9, the result will resonate in how each side positions itself for larger battles ahead.
(With agency inputs)
