In a key development ahead of the Vice Presidential election, Maharashtra Governor and NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today, August 18, 2025. The meeting comes just days before Radhakrishnan is scheduled to file his nomination papers on August 21 for the election slated on September 9. Accompanied by Union Ministers Bhupendra Yadav, Ram Mohan Naidu, Kiren Rijiju, and Pralhad Joshi, the visit marks a formal step in the NDA’s campaign to secure consensus support across party lines.
The Vice Presidential post fell vacant following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health reasons. Radhakrishnan’s candidacy was cleared by the BJP’s parliamentary board on August 17, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh overseeing the election process and Rijiju appointed as his polling agent.
Key Highlights from the Day
- CP Radhakrishnan met PM Modi in the capital, joined by four senior Union Ministers
- NDA floor leaders are expected to convene later today to finalize nomination logistics
- Radhakrishnan will file his nomination on August 21, with withdrawal deadline set for August 25
- The BJP will conduct a three-day training session for NDA lawmakers from September 6 to ensure procedural clarity
- PM Modi praised Radhakrishnan’s grassroots work and constitutional expertise, calling him a dedicated public servant
Political and Strategic Context
Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader and current Governor of Maharashtra, has held multiple gubernatorial roles including Jharkhand, Telangana, and Puducherry. He previously served as Tamil Nadu BJP State President and was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore. His nomination reflects the NDA’s emphasis on experience, regional representation, and ideological alignment.
The BJP has also initiated outreach to opposition parties, with party president JP Nadda expressing hope for an uncontested election. Leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, including Chandrababu Naidu and Devendra Fadnavis, have publicly endorsed Radhakrishnan’s candidacy.
Looking Ahead
With the nomination process underway and polling scheduled for September 9, the NDA is mobilizing its full parliamentary strength to ensure a smooth election. Radhakrishnan’s meeting with PM Modi signals the beginning of a coordinated campaign, backed by strategic planning and cross-party engagement.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Financial Express, MSN India, Firstpost, PM India.
