BJP shifts from Dhankhar’s confrontational style to Radhakrishnan’s consensus-driven approach, signaling a new strategy in Parliament and beyond.
BJP’s 180-Degree Turn in Vice President Pick
The BJP has announced CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the post of Vice President, weeks after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation.
The move is being seen as a complete shift in approach—from the sharp and confrontational Dhankhar to a leader considered mellow, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the BJP’s ideological base.
Why Jagdeep Dhankhar Was Chosen in 2022
- Dhankhar was picked in 2022 during the Jat protests, a signal of outreach to the Jat community and farmers.
- His legal and political background and run-ins with Mamata Banerjee as Bengal Governor made him a “tough enforcer.”
- In Rajya Sabha, his aggressive and legalistic style drew sharp opposition criticism, with many accusing him of being partisan.
While his approach gave BJP a strong defender in Parliament, it also created frequent confrontations, making consensus difficult.
Why CP Radhakrishnan Now?
The choice of Radhakrishnan marks a strategic recalibration:
- He represents South India, helping BJP in its southern expansion beyond Karnataka.
- Seen as mellow and consensus-driven, unlike Dhankhar’s confrontational style.
- Strong RSS and Jan Sangh roots since the age of 17, reflecting deeper ideological alignment with the party.
- Considered inclusive and balanced, fitting the constitutional role of Vice President better.
Political Signals and Outreach
Radhakrishnan’s recent actions highlight his approach:
- Subtly backed the Centre against DMK criticism while maintaining political outreach with Chief Minister MK Stalin.
- Dismissed Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Sanatana Dharma remarks as immature, without stoking major controversies.
- In Maharashtra, he handled petitions over the Public Security Bill with institutional maturity, avoiding aggressive political confrontation.
This reflects his style of measured interventions versus Dhankhar’s sharp, often controversial remarks.
From Aggression to Consensus
- Dhankhar: Aggressive lawyer, outspoken politician, confrontational in Parliament, seen as narrowing politics to caste-region identity.
- Radhakrishnan: Inclusive leader, rooted in RSS ideology, less political baggage, capable of broadening politics to national inclusiveness.
Sources suggest that BJP wants the Rajya Sabha to function smoothly, requiring a Vice President who can calm tensions rather than inflame them.
Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit
Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the current Parliament session, citing health reasons. However, according to a leading news agency, a series of events, including his handling of a sensitive impeachment proposal, contributed to his abrupt decision.
Despite his loyalty to the ruling party, Dhankhar’s confrontational style may have ultimately led to the search for a successor with a softer approach
The BJP’s choice of CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice President candidate underscores a major strategic shift—from confrontation to consensus, and from caste-region symbolism to pan-Indian inclusiveness.
With strong ideological roots and a calm temperament, Radhakrishnan represents the party’s southern aspirations and institutional stability, while Dhankhar’s exit closes a chapter marked by fiery debates and political sharpness in Parliament.
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