Image credit: Prime Minister’s Office (GODL-India), via Wikimedia Commons.
The name CP Radhakrishnan has become synonymous with integrity, grassroots leadership, and administrative excellence in Indian politics. In August 2025, the veteran leader was nominated as the NDA candidate for Vice President of India, a recognition of his four decades of service in governance, the BJP, and society at large. With roots in Tamil Nadu and a reputation for consensus-building, Radhakrishnan represents both continuity and change in the national political landscape.
Early Life and Education
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, into the Kongu Vellalar Gounder community. Known in his youth for sporting talent—especially in table tennis and long-distance running—he also demonstrated an early flair for leadership.
He pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration at V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, equipping himself with the skills that would later support his strong administrative career.
Entry into Politics
Radhakrishnan’s political career began in his teens with the RSS and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, precursors to his lifelong association with the BJP. By 1974, he was already a State Executive Committee Member, establishing himself as a rising voice in Tamil Nadu politics.
His national breakthrough came in the 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections, when he won the Coimbatore seat—one of only three BJP MPs elected from Tamil Nadu. In Parliament, he chaired the Standing Committee on Textiles and served on finance and public sector committees. His presence was also felt on the global stage when he represented India at the United Nations General Assembly in 2004, addressing humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
Contributions to BJP and Public Life
Between 2004–2007, Radhakrishnan served as President of BJP Tamil Nadu, spearheading a massive 93-day Ratha Yatra covering 19,000 km. The campaign raised crucial issues: river-linking, anti-terrorism, ending untouchability, drug abuse prevention, and the push for a Uniform Civil Code.
He was also known for Padayatras aimed at mobilizing citizens on social causes. His later achievements include:
- Chairman, Coir Board (2016–2020): Oversaw record exports of ₹2,532 crore.
- All-India BJP In-charge for Kerala (2020–2022): Strengthened BJP’s southern outreach.
Administrative Leadership
Radhakrishnan’s diligence earned him a series of high-profile gubernatorial assignments:
- Governor of Jharkhand (2023–2024): Visited all 24 districts in just four months.
- Governor of Telangana & Lt. Governor of Puducherry (2024, additional charge).
- Governor of Maharashtra (July 2024–present): Known for accessibility and outreach.
His tenure has been marked by direct citizen interaction, institutional reforms, and calm consensus-building.
Vice Presidential Nominee – 2025
In August 2025, Radhakrishnan was nominated as the NDA candidate for Vice President, succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar who stepped down due to health reasons.
The move is seen as strategic for the BJP—strengthening its southern footprint, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where Radhakrishnan enjoys cross-party respect. His OBC background also adds weight to the party’s social inclusion strategy.
If elected, he will become the third Vice President from Tamil Nadu, following Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and R. Venkataraman. The Vice President of India also serves as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, making this role central to India’s parliamentary democracy.
Legacy, Reputation, and Outlook
Throughout his career, CP Radhakrishnan has been admired for his:
- Inclusive leadership style that bridges divides.
- Grassroots activism rooted in Tamil Nadu’s local concerns.
- Administrative rigor during his gubernatorial postings.
- Calm and consensus-driven politics—a contrast to more polarizing figures.
Beyond politics, he is active in sports and community service and is a long-time member of Lions Clubs International.
Conclusion
As the September 2025 Vice Presidential elections approach, CP Radhakrishnan’s life journey reflects a blend of grassroots activism, administrative excellence, and national statesmanship. His nomination is not only a recognition of decades of service but also a signal of India’s evolving political strategies. For the BJP and for Indian democracy, his rise represents both continuity of vision and expansion of reach.
If elected, Radhakrishnan’s legacy will stand alongside Tamil Nadu’s greats, marking him as a leader who has balanced regional identity with national responsibility.
