JD(U) extends support to NDA’s Vice-Presidential candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan

August 19, 2025

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar on Monday announced his party’s support for the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee for Vice President, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan.

In a post on social media, Kumar termed the NDA’s decision to field Radhakrishnan as “welcome” and extended his congratulations and best wishes. “We wholeheartedly support his candidature,” he said, reaffirming JD(U)’s alignment with the ruling coalition ahead of the September 9 poll.

Radhakrishnan, a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, has been a two-time Lok Sabha MP and served as state unit president of the party. He is considered close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and belongs to the Gounder community, an influential OBC group in Tamil Nadu. He currently serves as Governor of Maharashtra and has previously held charge of Jharkhand and Puducherry.

The NDA’s choice has been projected as a move to strengthen its appeal in southern states, where the BJP has been trying to expand its footprint. Party leaders highlighted Radhakrishnan’s long-standing political career and organisational experience as factors behind his nomination.

Apart from the JD(U), several other NDA allies, including the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, have also declared support. Outside the NDA, the YSR Congress Party, led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has announced backing for Radhakrishnan, giving the NDA a comfortable edge in the electoral college.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Radhakrishnan in New Delhi and conveyed his best wishes. BJP president J.P. Nadda and senior leaders also expressed confidence that the alliance would secure a decisive victory.

The vice-presidential election was necessitated following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is set to contest the presidential poll. With numbers clearly stacked in its favour, the NDA appears well placed to ensure Radhakrishnan’s elevation as the next Vice President of India.

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