BJP veteran CP Radhakrishnan stands at the edge of what could be the most defining moment of his political career. Named as the NDA’s official candidate for Vice President, the Coimbatore leader is preparing for a high-stakes election on September 9, where he will face INDIA bloc’s nominee, former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy.

For Radhakrishnan, this contest is more than just another electoral battle — it is the culmination of two decades of near-misses. In 2000, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had reportedly wanted him in the Union Cabinet. But due to a confusion over names, it was Pon Radhakrishnan of Nagercoil who was inducted instead. Years later, in 2014, when the BJP swept to power under Narendra Modi, Radhakrishnan was once again seen as a strong ministerial contender. However, Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK turned the Coimbatore seat into a prestige fight, and Radhakrishnan lost to P Nagarajan, crushing his ministerial hopes.

Now, 2025 presents him with a third shot at national prominence. Backed strongly by the RSS and BJP cadres, the NDA has the numbers on paper — with 293 MPs in Lok Sabha and 133 in Rajya Sabha, making up a total of 426 lawmakers. Yet, the INDIA bloc has consolidated its strength and is banking on unified voting and possible cross-votes to turn the tide.

Party insiders say the Sangh has thrown its full weight behind him, determined that this time Radhakrishnan’s loyalty and decades of service should not go unrewarded. Supporters in Tamil Nadu call him a “true karyakarta”, while BJP strategists argue his elevation would send a strong message of recognition to the South.

The election, necessitated by the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar last month, is being viewed as a prestige battle between the NDA and INDIA bloc. For CP Radhakrishnan, however, it is personal — a chance to finally claim the role that destiny has denied him twice before.