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CP Radhakrishnan, who took charge as Governor of Maharashtra on June 29, 2023, had a largely stable and controversy-free tenure
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (right) with CP Radhakrishnan. (X)
Maharashtra is in the spotlight once again as another Governor is poised to rise to the country’s second-highest constitutional office. CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, has been announced as the BJP candidate for the Vice-President of India. With this, he becomes the second Governor from Maharashtra to receive this honour after Shankar Dayal Sharma, who was elected Vice-President in 1987 before going on to become the President of India in 1992.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the BJP’s parliamentary board, ending weeks of speculation. Radhakrishnan, who took charge as Governor of Maharashtra on June 29, 2023, has completed a little over a year in office. His tenure as Governor was largely seen as stable and controversy-free. Prior to this, he also served as the Governor of Jharkhand during the tenure of Hemant Soren’s government, where he maintained a similar reputation for neutrality and calm governance.
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For Radhakrishnan, the opportunity is also a significant personal milestone. A senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, he represented Coimbatore twice in the Lok Sabha and was considered a strong voice for the party in southern India. His administrative skills, calm demeanour, and non-confrontational approach have won him respect across party lines. Unlike many Governors who often clash with elected chief ministers, Radhakrishnan chose to stay above day-to-day politics, a quality that now works in his favour.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was among the first to meet Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan and extend his wishes. Political observers believe Radhakrishnan’s expected elevation is both a recognition of his loyalty to the party and a strategic move by the BJP to give representation to the South.
The Vice-President of India is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament. The process is largely seen as a formality when the ruling party and its allies enjoy a clear majority, as is the case this time. With Radhakrishnan’s candidature already sealed with consensus support, his election is being viewed as a certainty rather than a contest.
The Vice-Presidential election in India is taking place following the resignation of former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar. As the second-highest constitutional authority and Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President plays a vital role in parliamentary functioning.
About the Author
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
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