Rajnath discussed VP candidate with Stalin before announcement.
The CPI(M) has made it clear that it will not extend its support to BJP’s Vice-Presidential candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan. Party general secretary M.A. Baby stated that the decision was taken after internal discussions, reaffirming the party’s firm opposition to BJP’s political line and its current leadership choices.
mk Stalin over the phone, requesting his support in finding consensus on a common nominee for the Vice-Presidential election. Reliable sources indicated that this conversation took place a little before the Bharatiya Janata Party officially announced its decision to field C.P. Radhakrishnan for the high constitutional post.
During the telephonic exchange, Singh reportedly highlighted the importance of building broader agreement among political parties for such a position, especially considering its role in the functioning of Parliament. However, according to those familiar with the matter, Stalin refrained from giving any assurance or taking a clear stand on the suggestion. He is said to have listened patiently but did not commit the DMK to supporting any name proposed by the ruling party at the Centre.
Soon after this conversation, the BJP declared its candidate—Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan. A seasoned leader with long years in the party’s Tamil Nadu unit, Radhakrishnan belongs to the influential Kongu Vellala Gounder community, which holds considerable sway in the western belt of Tamil Nadu. His nomination is being seen not only as a political move at the national level but also as a signal aimed at consolidating support among sections of voters in his home state.
While the BJP is confident about securing numbers in Parliament with its allies, reaching out to leaders like Stalin is viewed as part of a broader strategy to project inclusivity and consensus. Party strategists believe that having wider acceptance for constitutional positions such as the Vice-President enhances the credibility of the government’s choices.
The party has traditionally aligned itself with opposition forces at the national stage and remains critical of the BJP’s policies. Stalin’s cautious response reflects the delicate balancing act—he must weigh the political costs of aligning with the BJP against the symbolic significance of supporting a Tamil leader elevated to a national constitutional office.
As things stand, no final word has come from the DMK camp, but insiders suggest the party leadership will take a call only after wider consultations within the INDIA bloc of opposition parties.