BJP Announces Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan as NDA's Vice-Presidential Candidate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP's Parliamentary Board meeting to discuss the Vice-Presidential candidate, ultimately announcing Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan as the NDA's nominee for the post. A veteran of the RSS and former President of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit, Radhakrishnan is credited with laying the foundation of the party in southern India and has a strong working relationship with regional parties. He was chosen for his experience and image, which party insiders believe will help smoothen matters with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu ahead of the Assembly elections next year.

Key Takeaways:

The BJP's Parliamentary Board meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, selected Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan as the NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate, citing his experience and image.
Radhakrishnan's 40-year career in public life includes his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand and his instrumental role in getting the BJP into the NDA fold in 1999.
Party insiders believe Radhakrishnan's roots in Tamil Nadu will aid the BJP in its 'Mission South' approach and help.smooth out relations with its ally, the AIADMK.
Radhakrishnan has a "good working relationship" with the DMK and is credited for his community service and empowering marginalised groups, as per sources.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be Radhakrishnan's campaign manager, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will be his election agent.
The last date for filing nominations is August 21, and sources said later in the evening, Singh spoke to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over the phone to seek support for Radhakrishnan.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah believes Radhakrishnan's roles as a parliamentarian and Governor have "played a significant role in effectively fulfilling" constitutional duties, enhancing the prestige of the Upper House.
Radhakrishnan expressed gratitude to PM Modi for nominating him as the NDA Vice Presidential candidate and extended thanks to NDA allies for their support.

Statistics:

Radhakrishnan has a 40-year career in public life.
He has served as Governor of Jharkhand and other southern states, including Kerala and Telangana.
The NDA Parliamentary Party will meet on Tuesday to make further decisions on the candidate.
The last date for filing nominations is August 21.

Sources:

BJP national president J P Nadda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu
Opposition RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha