The upcoming Vice Presidential Election 2025 has once again brought the political spotlight on the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance has announced CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, as its candidate. If elected, he will replace Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned unexpectedly last month before the Monsoon Session of Parliament began.

The selection of CP Radhakrishnan marks a sharp shift for the BJP. While Dhankhar had a background rooted in socialism and Congress politics before joining the BJP, Radhakrishnan has been nurtured directly within the ideological framework of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This contrast reflects not only personal journeys but also the evolving strategy of the BJP as it positions itself for future battles in national and regional politics.

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Political Background

Jagdeep Dhankhar was chosen as the NDA candidate in 2022 under very different circumstances. At that time, the BJP wanted to connect with the Jat community in northern India. Dhankhar’s selection was seen as a signal to the farmers’ movement and the Jat population that their concerns remained a priority.

His background as an outspoken lawyer and aggressive politician gave him a distinctive image. As Governor of West Bengal, he was often in the headlines due to confrontations with the Mamata Banerjee government. His tenure in Kolkata was marked by sharp disagreements, constant tussles, and fiery remarks that often made national news.

When Dhankhar became Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, his confrontational approach continued. He was known for his blunt remarks and strong interventions. The opposition frequently accused him of bias. This perception of partiality created friction inside the upper house of Parliament, making his role as a presiding officer controversial.

Why BJP Took a 180-Degree Turn

The BJP’s choice of Dhankhar in 2022 was strategic. It addressed caste politics in northern India, particularly the Jat belt. However, three years later, the political priorities of the party have shifted.

Now, the focus is on the southern states where the BJP has struggled to expand its presence beyond Karnataka. By choosing CP Radhakrishnan, a leader from Tamil Nadu with deep roots in the OBC community, the BJP aims to strengthen its base in the south. Tamil Nadu will witness assembly elections next year, and Radhakrishnan’s candidacy comes at a crucial time.

This 180-degree shift in candidate selection also reflects the BJP’s attempt to present a more balanced and inclusive face in the Rajya Sabha. Unlike Dhankhar, Radhakrishnan is seen as a calm, composed, and consensus-building leader.

CP Radhakrishnan: The New Candidate

CP Radhakrishnan, often referred to as the “Modi of Tamil Nadu,” has had a long and steady political journey. At 68, he represents a blend of organizational discipline, ideological grounding, and soft-spoken leadership.

His career began as an RSS worker at the age of 17. Over decades, he grew within the framework of the Sangh and Jan Sangh, eventually becoming one of the BJP’s senior leaders from Tamil Nadu. Unlike Dhankhar, who entered the BJP later in his career, Radhakrishnan has been associated with the party’s ideological roots from the very beginning.

As Governor of Maharashtra, he developed an image of a balanced and approachable administrator. He was known for his humility and his ability to engage with different political groups without controversy. This approach has made him an attractive choice for the constitutional office of Vice President.

BJP’s Southern Strategy and OBC Focus

The choice of CP Radhakrishnan goes beyond personality. It is a calculated move that serves the BJP’s broader political strategy. The BJP has long been seeking a breakthrough in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, two states where its presence is still limited.

By fielding a candidate from Tamil Nadu, the party is hoping to connect with the people of the region and showcase its commitment to southern representation. Radhakrishnan belongs to a prominent OBC community, which further strengthens the BJP’s ongoing focus on OBC social engineering.

This strategy aligns with the party’s larger goal of consolidating OBC votes across the country, particularly as national elections approach. The BJP leadership believes that OBC support, combined with southern expansion, could play a decisive role in its future political victories.

The Contrast Between Dhankhar and Radhakrishnan

The selection of Vice Presidential candidates highlights two different styles of leadership within the BJP.

Jagdeep Dhankhar was aggressive, outspoken, and confrontational. His political style was shaped by his background as a lawyer and his years in opposition politics before joining the BJP. He was known for his fiery speeches and sharp criticism of opponents.

CP Radhakrishnan, in contrast, is measured and inclusive. His style is more about building bridges rather than burning them. Political observers believe that this quality makes him a better fit for the role of Rajya Sabha Chairman, where consensus and balance are critical.

The Rajya Sabha does not require aggression but composure, fairness, and the ability to manage conflicting voices. In this regard, Radhakrishnan is seen as a leader who can maintain the dignity of the upper house more effectively than Dhankhar.

RSS Roots vs Political Lateral Entry

Another major difference lies in the ideological journey of both leaders. Dhankhar’s early political years were linked to socialism and the Congress. He eventually joined the BJP but was never deeply connected with the RSS network. His association with the Sangh was minimal, and his rise within the BJP came largely due to strategic caste considerations.

Radhakrishnan, on the other hand, has been a lifelong RSS man. His association began at a young age, and he steadily rose within the system. This ideological alignment gives him a natural comfort within the BJP structure. He carries no baggage of shifting loyalties or political opportunism.

This difference in background explains why Radhakrishnan is perceived as more acceptable to both the party and allies. His long-standing commitment to the Sangh’s ideology also signals the BJP’s preference for leaders with rooted connections rather than those with shifting affiliations.

The Message BJP Wants to Send

By nominating CP Radhakrishnan, the BJP wants to deliver multiple messages. First, the party wants to highlight its seriousness in expanding to southern India. Second, it aims to strengthen its bond with the OBC community, which remains electorally decisive.

Third, the BJP wants to show that the Rajya Sabha needs stability, neutrality, and balance. The constant tussles and confrontations witnessed during Dhankhar’s tenure had created discomfort. With Radhakrishnan, the party hopes to project a more consensus-oriented leadership in Parliament.

Finally, the move underscores the BJP’s ideological roots. By choosing someone who has grown within the RSS framework, the party signals that loyalty to its core philosophy continues to matter.

Opposition Reaction and Political Implications

The opposition is carefully watching the BJP’s new move. Some believe that Radhakrishnan’s soft-spoken style could make him harder to attack politically. Unlike Dhankhar, who often provided ammunition to critics through his aggressive remarks, Radhakrishnan may maintain a low-key yet effective presence.

For the INDIA alliance, the challenge will be whether to field a candidate against him or allow a consensus election. Reports suggest the BJP may attempt to secure an uncontested victory by building alliances, as consensus would add legitimacy to Radhakrishnan’s image as a unifying figure.

The Vice Presidential Election may not alter immediate power equations, but symbolically, it reflects how the BJP is preparing itself for upcoming electoral battles in states where it needs stronger roots.

The Vice Presidential Election 2025 highlights the transformation within the BJP’s approach. From Jagdeep Dhankhar’s fiery and caste-based appeal to CP Radhakrishnan’s ideological rootedness and southern OBC representation, the party has indeed made a 180-degree shift.

This decision reflects the BJP’s evolving priorities: from addressing northern farmer protests in 2022 to focusing on southern expansion and OBC consolidation in 2025.

While Dhankhar represented confrontation, Radhakrishnan symbolizes consensus. While Dhankhar’s political journey was marked by multiple affiliations, Radhakrishnan’s loyalty to the Sangh has been consistent since his teenage years.

As political observers note, the Rajya Sabha requires stability and impartiality. The BJP believes Radhakrishnan can provide both, making him a natural choice for the role of Vice President. His selection is not just about filling a constitutional office but also about projecting the BJP’s future political roadmap.

The results of this election will determine not only the next Vice President but also indicate the BJP’s long-term strategy for national integration, regional outreach, and ideological clarity.