New Delhi: Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar on Monday extended his party’s support to CP Radhakrishnan, vice -president of National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In a post on X, Nitish Kumar said, “The decision to nominate Shri CP Radhakrishnan ji of Maharashtra, as the NDA candidate is welcomed for the Vice President. Jadu will support Shri CP Radhakrishnan ji.”The announcement was made a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party declared Radhakrishnan nominated as NDA. Following the party’s parliamentary board meeting, BJP President JP Nadda called the objective of the alliance for the election by one unanimously. He said, “We want the next vice president to be unanimously elected, we have reached the opposition leaders.” He described Radhakrishnan as a respected politician from Tamil Nadu.Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the NDA Pick, writing on X that Radhakrishnan’s “dedication, humility and intellect” would make him an inspirational vice -president. “In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intelligence. During the various positions held by him, he has always focused on community service and strongly empowered. He has done extensive work at the ground level in Tamil Nadu. I am happy that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the vice -president of our coalition, “Modi said.He said, “Thiru CP Radhakrishnan ji has a rich experience as MPs and Governors of various states. His parliamentary intervention was always serious. During his Guberonorial tenure, he focused on resolving the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. These experiences ensured that they had a huge knowledge of legislative and constitutional matters. I am confident that he will be an inspirational vice president. ,Radhakrishnan is currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra. He first organized Guberonatorial responsibilities in Jharkhand, Telangana and Puducherry. An veteran BJP leader, he has represented Coimbatore twice in the Lok Sabha and has served as Tamil Nadu BJP President.The Vice Presidential election was needed after former Vice President Jagdeep Dhikar resigned on July 21, citing health reasons. The opposition has claimed that the step was related to differences with the government.The Election Commission has prescribed voting for September 9 with counting of votes on the same day. The last date for filing nomination is 21 August, while withdrawal is allowed by 25 August. With its majority in Parliament, the NDA is also seen to ensure Radhakrishnan’s victory, although the India Block is considering fielding a candidate.
