CP Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader and loyal supporter of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is once again in the spotlight as he emerges as the NDA’s candidate for the Vice President of India. For Radhakrishnan, this election is more than just a routine contest—it is a shot at redemption after having narrowly missed high-profile political opportunities twice in his career.

A career of near-misses

Radhakrishnan’s journey in national politics has been marked by both significant victories and unfortunate setbacks. Twice elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999, he quickly established himself as a promising leader. His early career saw him in close consideration for a Cabinet role under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

However, in 2000, a mix-up in communication reportedly caused the party leadership to induct Pon Radhakrishnan, the MP from Nagercoil, instead of CP Radhakrishnan. This twist of fate denied him a Cabinet berth, despite his strong credentials and track record.

Even though he did not make it into the Cabinet, Radhakrishnan was entrusted with responsibilities as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Sector Undertakings, where he contributed significantly until the NDA government’s tenure ended in 2004.

Jayalalithaa’s prestige politics

The second blow came during the 2014 general elections, when Radhakrishnan once again seemed poised for a breakthrough in the Modi government’s first term. However, his Coimbatore seat became a prestige battle for AIADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa, who put all her weight behind her candidate, P. Nagarajan. The AIADMK’s strategy worked, and Radhakrishnan lost the contest, effectively closing the door on his ministerial aspirations for the time being.

Current political scenario: The numbers at play

Fast forward to 2025, Radhakrishnan is now NDA’s official candidate for the Vice Presidential election. The NDA enters the polls with a clear numerical advantage:

• 293 MPs in the Lok Sabha

• 133 MPs in the Rajya Sabha

Together, this gives the NDA a total of 426 lawmakers, a comfortable figure in an election where the combined strength of both Houses of Parliament decides the outcome. Moreover, the possibility of cross-voting, as witnessed in the election of Jagdeep Dhankhar, further strengthens Radhakrishnan’s prospects.

Opposition’s challenge: INDIA bloc fields Justice Reddy

Despite the numerical edge for the NDA, the INDIA bloc has not stepped aside. In fact, they have put forward a formidable candidate in former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy. The choice of a respected legal figure signals the Opposition’s intent to mount a serious contest, appealing to lawmakers beyond their camp and framing the election as more than just a numbers game.

Significance of the election

The Vice Presidential election has gained greater attention this time due to the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar last month. With the election scheduled for September 9, the run-up to the polls is expected to be marked by intense lobbying, political maneuvering, and strategic outreach by both camps. The last date for filing nominations was August 21, solidifying the field of candidates.

For Radhakrishnan, this election represents not just a personal milestone but also a recognition of his decades-long commitment to the BJP and the Sangh Parivar. Winning the Vice Presidency would finally give him the national platform that eluded him in the past due to political quirks and regional dynamics.

Conclusion

As things stand, the numbers strongly favor Radhakrishnan, giving him a high chance of clinching the Vice Presidency. However, Indian politics has always had its share of surprises. With the INDIA bloc fielding a heavyweight challenger, the contest could still see twists, even though the NDA’s parliamentary arithmetic looks decisive.

The coming weeks will reveal whether CP Radhakrishnan, after years of perseverance and missed opportunities, will indeed turn third time lucky and secure one of the highest constitutional offices in India.

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