New Delhi, August 17 — Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan has been announced as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee for the Vice Presidential election scheduled on September 9. A veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan is also widely recognized for his support of Hindi and promotion of linguistic inclusiveness.

Radhakrishnan’s political career spans decades, including two terms as a Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore and a period as BJP Tamil Nadu state president. He has held gubernatorial roles in Jharkhand, Telangana, and Puducherry before his appointment as Maharashtra Governor in 2024. His administrative experience and non-controversial image have made him a strategic choice for the NDA.

The governor has publicly advocated for learning Hindi as a unifying language, while emphasizing respect for regional languages. He has cautioned against forcing linguistic dominance, noting that it could create social divisions and economic challenges. Radhakrishnan has also expressed personal regret for not being fluent in Hindi earlier, highlighting his belief in promoting multilingual proficiency across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Radhakrishnan’s service, describing him as dedicated, humble, and committed to grassroots communities. BJP national president J. P. Nadda expressed confidence that Radhakrishnan’s nomination could lead to a consensus-backed election, reflecting his broad acceptability across political and regional lines.

NDA officials describe Radhakrishnan as a symbol of administrative capability and cultural integration, balancing linguistic representation with governance expertise. Nomination filings for the Vice Presidential poll will close on August 22, with voting to follow according to constitutional procedures