BJP’s Shock Move: Why CP Radhakrishnan and Jagdeep Dhankhar Are at the Heart of a 180-Degree Turn

Indian politics thrives on unpredictability, but few moves have stunned observers as much as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s recent pivot involving CP Radhakrishnan and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. What seemed like settled positions for both leaders has now turned into a dramatic turn of strategy, exposing the BJP’s willingness to shift course when political expediency demands.

The Background: Two Men, Two Trajectories

CP Radhakrishnan, the veteran BJP leader and current Governor of Jharkhand, has long been viewed as a reliable organizational man, deeply rooted in the party’s ideology. His career stretches back to the Jana Sangh era, and his rise has been steady, though not spectacular.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, on the other hand, is the Vice President of India and a constitutional authority who once stood as a strong legal and political voice for the BJP, particularly known for his sharp interventions during his tenure as West Bengal Governor. His elevation to the Vice Presidency in 2022 was seen as a recognition of loyalty and effectiveness.

Why the Shift Now?

The BJP’s recalibration involving these two figures appears to stem from two converging pressures: internal balancing and external optics. First, the party faces an electoral landscape where regional outreach is becoming increasingly vital. Leaders like Radhakrishnan—known for his appeal in southern states—may be strategically redeployed to strengthen the BJP’s southern push.

Second, Dhankhar’s recent public remarks, especially his confrontational style against sections of the Opposition and even judiciary, have sometimes landed the BJP in uncomfortable spots. For a party preparing for major elections and sensitive legislative battles, toning down sharp edges may be part of the larger plan.

BJP’s 180-Degree Strategy

For years, BJP has emphasized continuity, projecting itself as a party that stands by its chosen leaders. Yet, the new turn shows a willingness to reassign, sideline, or elevate depending on political timing. With Radhakrishnan, the move signals a greater focus on southern outreach—particularly as the BJP attempts to make inroads in Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

With Dhankhar, the recalibration suggests that while the Vice President remains constitutionally significant, the BJP may choose to clip the political weight associated with his office. Instead of a combative stance, the party might want a softer institutional image heading into critical electoral cycles.

The Larger Message

The shift reflects the BJP’s evolving nature. It is no longer bound by traditional loyalty structures but is becoming more pragmatic, fluid, and results-oriented. This 180-degree turn also tells the Opposition that no leader within the BJP’s ranks is indispensable or irreplaceable—everyone can be reassigned to suit electoral needs.

For the public, it raises a key question: Is the BJP showing adaptability, or is it betraying its own declared commitment to consistency?