BJP’s ‘CPR’ Move in VP Polls: OBC Factor, Tamil Nadu Pride Put DMK & Opposition in Double Trouble

Vice President Election news: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has announced Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnuswamy Radhakrishnan, who comes from the influential OBC community of Tamil Nadu, as its Vice Presidential candidate. Radhakrishnan, who has a background in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has been a senior BJP leader in Tamil Nadu. BJP president JP Nadda announced his name after the party's parliamentary board meeting and discussions with the party's allies.

Why is the opposition facing double tension?

After the announcement of the NDA candidate, all eyes are now on Tamil Nadu's ruling party DMK and its regional allies because by fielding CP Radhakrishnan in the election fray, the NDA has put the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, especially the DMK, in double tension. The first tension is that Radhakrishnan comes from the dominant OBC community of the state, whose vote bank the DMK has a strong hold on. Second, he is from Tamil Nadu. That is, he is a regional pride, which the DMK has been a supporter of.

Why focus on the DMK?

The Congress and many parties in its alliance have also been supporters of OBC interests. In such a situation, Radhakrishnan's opposition could prove costly for the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, including the DMK, because the assembly elections are to be held there next year. The second big thing is that by fielding Radhakrishnan in the vice-presidential election, the BJP can promote him as the pride of Tamil Nadu. The DMK's main rival, the AIADMK, can also take advantage of this issue. Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Palaniswami, has said that Radhakrishnan, who is fondly called CPR, has been rewarded for his public service and dedication to the people.

Important opposition meeting today

In any case, the leaders of the opposition parties are going to meet today i.e. Monday to discuss how to counter this move by the BJP. It is expected to discuss the strategy, including the candidate for the Vice Presidential election to be held on September 9. It is worth noting here that in the last Presidential and Vice Presidential elections, the voting was done on the basis of regional sentiments between the alliance/party. The BJP hopes that the same can happen in Radhakrishnan's case.