Amid NDA's Consensus Push, Rajnath Singh Dials Kharge Seeking Oppn Backing For VP Nominee

Last Updated:August 18, 2025, 08:17 IST

The BJP earlier in the day declared CP Radhakrishnan as its vice-presidential candidate after a meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Board

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge

Aiming to ensure a consensus and possibly an unopposed election, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reached out to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to seek opposition’s backing for the NDA’s vice-presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan, sources said.

They added that Singh has been tasked with coordinating the NDA’s efforts for the election, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will serve as election agent, reported news agency ANI.

It is a parliamentary convention for the ruling party or alliance to approach opposition leaders during elections to key constitutional posts such as the President, Vice President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The practice is aimed at building consensus for positions that are expected to remain above partisan politics.

The BJP earlier in the day declared Radhakrishnan as its nominee after a meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Board.

Announcing the decision, BJP chief JP Nadda said the alliance would also approach other parties. “We will talk to the opposition as well. We should also get their support so that together we can ensure an unopposed election for the post of Vice President."

“As we said earlier, we have been in touch with them, and our senior leaders have contacted them earlier as well and even now, we will remain in touch with them, and all our NDA colleagues have supported us. CP Radhakrishnan is our NDA’s candidate for Vice President," Nadda added while addressing a conference.

Radhakrishnan took charge as Maharashtra’s Governor in July 2024, after a brief tenure as Governor of Jharkhand. He has also held additional responsibility for Telangana and Puducherry.

A senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, he twice represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha, served as state party president, and later chaired the Coir Board.

He won his first election from Coimbatore in 1998 with a margin of over 1.5 lakh votes.

The Election Commission has scheduled the Vice Presidential election for September 9, with both polling and counting to be completed the same day.

The deadline for filing nominations is August 21, and candidates will be able to withdraw their papers until August 25.

The office fell vacant after Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health concerns.

“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution," Dhankhar said in his resignation letter.

Ronit Singh

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...Read More

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...

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August 18, 2025, 08:17 IST

News india Amid NDA's Consensus Push, Rajnath Singh Dials Kharge Seeking Oppn Backing For VP Nominee

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