BJP’s ‘CPR’ Move in Vice Presidential Election Puts Opposition in Double Trouble; Why the Spotlight is on DMK?

BJP announces Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate, putting DMK and the I.N.D.I.A alliance under pressure in Tamil Nadu. His OBC background and regional identity may reshape political equations ahead of next year’s state polls.

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By Palak Vaghela
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Chandrapuram-Ponnusamy-Radhakrishnan

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has announced Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election.

Radhakrishnan, who hails from Tamil Nadu’s influential OBC community, has a background in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has served as a senior BJP leader in the state. His candidature was finalized after BJP president JP Nadda held consultations with the party’s parliamentary board and NDA allies.

The announcement has created fresh challenges for the opposition, particularly Tamil Nadu’s ruling party DMK and the wider I.N.D.I.A alliance. Political observers say the move has put the opposition under “double pressure.” The first challenge is that Radhakrishnan comes from a powerful OBC community that forms a crucial voter base for the DMK. The second is his Tamil Nadu origin, which adds an element of regional pride that DMK has long sought to champion. For Congress and its allies, who have also positioned themselves as strong supporters of OBC interests, opposing Radhakrishnan may prove risky, especially with the Tamil Nadu assembly elections scheduled next year.

By fielding Radhakrishnan, the BJP hopes to project him as a symbol of Tamil Nadu’s pride. DMK’s rival AIADMK is also expected to use this narrative to its advantage. AIADMK leader of opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami has already welcomed the move, saying that Radhakrishnan, popularly known as CPR, has been rewarded for his dedicated public service and commitment to the people.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders are scheduled to meet today to discuss their strategy to counter the BJP’s surprise move. The meeting will also focus on selecting a possible joint candidate for the Vice Presidential election scheduled on September 9. Past presidential and vice-presidential elections have shown that regional sentiments often play a crucial role in voting patterns, and the BJP is confident that this time too, Radhakrishnan’s candidacy will resonate strongly.

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