Congress MP Manickam Tagore has criticized the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) nomination of C.P. Radhakrishnan as their candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, scheduled for September 9. Tagore referred to Radhakrishnan as "another RSS man".

The announcement of Radhakrishnan's candidacy came after a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary Board, which was attended by senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP National President JP Nadda made the announcement, stating that the NDA allies were on board with the decision. Nadda also mentioned that the party would seek consensus with the opposition to ensure an unopposed election.

Radhakrishnan is currently serving as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra, a position he assumed on July 31, 2024. He previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024 and held additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024. He is a veteran BJP leader and has been elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore twice. He also served as the Tamil Nadu BJP State President from 2004 to 2007.

Tagore's criticism highlights the ideological divide between the Congress and the BJP, with the former often questioning the latter's links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Tagore commented on X, stating, "Vice President of India. After PM, Speaker now ...Another Institution...Another battle to protect. Hope INDIA decides". He implied that key institutions are facing a battle to be protected.

Radhakrishnan has had a long career in public life and politics, beginning as a volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He has over four decades of experience in public service. He was a founding member of the BJP since its inception in 1980 and has held multiple key roles in the party's Tamil Nadu unit.

The Vice Presidential post became vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, citing health reasons. The Election Commission has announced that the polling for the Vice Presidential election will take place on September 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for the same day. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until August 25.

Following the announcement of Radhakrishnan's candidacy, Prime Minister Modi said that Radhakrishnan has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility, and intellect. He added that Radhakrishnan has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalized and has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be Radhakrishnan's campaign manager, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will be his election agent. Singh has also spoken to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to seek support for Radhakrishnan. Janata Dal (United) (JDU) has also extended its support to NDA's Vice Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan.