NDA's VP nominee Radhakrishnan departs for Delhi, Fadnavis seeks Sharad Pawar and Uddhav's support

Mumbai: Hours after veteran politician C P Radhakrishnan, who is the BJP-led NDA’s candidate for the post of Vice President of India, left for New Delhi to hold discussions with BJP’s top leadership, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday specifically sought the help of NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray for the Maharashtra Governor.

The 68-year-old Tamil Nadu born politician with RSS background, had maintained a low profile in the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai - and enjoys very good relations with the ruling Maha Yuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.

“It is a matter of pride for all of us that Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has been nominated for the Vice Presidential elections,” Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai.

“Though Radhakrishnan hails from Tamil Nadu, he has registered as a voter in Mumbai…in the Vidhan Sabha elections, he has exercised his franchise in Mumbai…as a person from Mumbai nominated for Vice Presidential polls, I will request all the MPs of Maharashtra cutting across party lines to support him,” he said.

“It is a matter of pride for Mumbai…as Pawar and Thackeray represent the cause of Maharashtra, I will request them to support him,” he said.

Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the Maharashtra Governor on 31 July 2024.

At the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, he was seen off by Fadnavis and state’s Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday morning as Radhakrishnan flew to Delhi.

On Sunday, Fadnavis after arriving in Mumbai after his office visit to Kolhapur, rushed to Raj Bhavan and felicitated the Governor. “Congratulations to Radhakrishnan, on his selection as the NDA candidate for the Vice President of India. Throughout his tenure as a MP and Governor in various states, he has garnered extensive expertise in a wide range of Legislative and Constitutional matters. His selection as the VP candidate fills us all, as Maharashtrians, with immense pride,” said Fadnavis.

“Radhakrishnan, who was announced as NDA’s candidate for Vice President of India, departed for Delhi today. Fadnavis Ji personally accompanied him to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, where I had the privilege of meeting him, presenting a book of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s letters, and extending my best wishes for this new responsibility,” said Shelar after the Governor left for the national capital.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is the Shiv Sena chief leader, said, "I sincerely thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for announcing the name of Radhakrishnan as the candidate for Vice President, and I extend my heartfelt best wishes to him. As a constituent of the NDA alliance, Shiv Sena offers full support and cooperation to C.P. Radhakrishnan. I am hopeful that he will achieve a significant victory. The experience he has gained as the Governor of Maharashtra will greatly benefit the country.”

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is the NCP President, said: “Congratulations to Radhakrishnan on being announced as NDA’s candidate for the Vice Presidential election. I am sure once elected, his long standing experience and dedication will only enrich this high constitutional office. Wishing him the very best.”