Is Congress Leader Udit Raj Right to Question NDA’s V-P Nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan's RSS Ties?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Udit Raj criticizes NDA’s nomination.
- Allegations of political motives behind C.P. Radhakrishnan's candidacy.
- Vice Presidential election to be held next month.
- Impact on Tamil Nadu's political representation.
- Opposition parties are reassessing their strategies.
New Delhi, Aug 17 (NationPress) Congress leader Udit Raj has sharply criticized the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for selecting Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice President. He argues that this decision serves the internal political ambitions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In a statement on social media platform X, Udit Raj remarked: "With an RSS background, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan is NDA’s Vice-Presidential nominee. PM Modi is pursuing three goals — appeasing the RSS, bolstering BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu, and securing the presidency for himself or his close associates. Therefore, the RSS cannot advocate for this significant position."
The Congress figure also offered what he termed as 'unsolicited advice' to Radhakrishnan, urging him to consider the “predicament” of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar before he accepts the nomination.
“Before accepting the position, he should remember Mr. Dhankhar's situation,” Udit Raj stated, implying that the role of Vice President has been undermined under Modi’s leadership.
Radhakrishnan, who has served as a two-time MP from Coimbatore and has notable RSS affiliations, currently holds the position of Governor of Maharashtra.
If elected, he will be the second leader from the OBC community to assume the constitutional role of Vice President.
While the BJP has positioned his candidacy as an effort to enhance national representation for Tamil Nadu, the Congress party has raised questions about the true motives behind this decision.
Udit Raj’s comments arrive during a period when opposition parties are contemplating their strategies in response to the NDA’s selection, amidst uncertainty regarding whether the election will be competitive or consensual.
The Vice-Presidential election is set for next month, with the NDA holding a numerical advantage within the electoral college that encompasses both Houses of Parliament.