C. P. Radhakrishnan: From Tamil Nadu Roots to NDA’s Vice Presidential Pick

C. P. Radhakrishnan: From Tamil Nadu Roots to NDA’s Vice Presidential Pick

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was born on 20 October 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. A graduate in Business Administration, he earned his BBA from V. O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi. During his college years, he excelled in sports, distinguishing himself as a table tennis champion and a long-distance runner.

Political Beginnings

Radhakrishnan’s political journey began in his teenage years when he joined the RSS, later becoming a member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh’s state executive committee in 1974. In 1996, he took on the role of BJP Tamil Nadu Secretary, paving the way for a distinguished political career.

Parliamentary & Organizational Roles

He was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore (1998 and 1999), and during his tenure, served on several key committees—including the Parliamentary Standing Committee, PSUs committee, Finance consultative committee, and the Special Committee investigating the stock exchange scam. From 2004 to 2007, he served as State President of BJP, Tamil Nadu, leading a 19,000 km Rath Yatra spanning 93 days that focused on issues like river linking, uniform civil code, combating untouchability, and drug abuse.

Administrative Leadership

In 2016–2020, Radhakrishnan served as Chairman of the Coir Board in Kochi, during which exports soared to an all-time high of ₹2,532 crore. From 2020–2022, he was the All-India BJP in-charge for Kerala.

Governorship Roles

In February 2023, he was appointed Governor of Jharkhand, later assuming additional responsibilities as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry in March 2024. On 31 July 2024, he took charge as Governor of Maharashtra.

Nicknamed a 'Statesman' with Cross-Party Respect

Radhakrishnan is widely regarded as a moderate, respected figure with a clean image. In Tamil Nadu, he belongs to the Gounder community, a significant OBC group, and is seen as a consensus-builder. One DMK leader even described him as “a good man in the wrong party,” comparing him to Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his dignified conduct.

NDA's Vice Presidential Nominee

On 17 August 2025, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) officially announced C. P. Radhakrishnan as its Vice Presidential candidate, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The election is scheduled for 9 September 2025.

NDA's Strategic Move

The NDA’s choice highlights a dual strategy: consolidating OBC support in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, and nominating a veteran leader with deep ideological roots in the RSS. Party leaders have expressed hopes for an unopposed, unanimous election by negotiating with opposition parties.

Radhakrishnan's Pledge

In response to his nomination, Radhakrishnan expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and pledged his unwavering commitment to serve the nation “till his last breath”. His nomination underscores his reputation as an honest, disciplined, and politically seasoned leader.

C. P. Radhakrishnan’s journey—from grassroots activism in Tamil Nadu to gubernatorial leadership and now the NDA’s Vice Presidential nominee—reflects a blend of administrative experience, organizational acumen, and widespread respect. Whether he secures the post peacefully or through a contest, his nomination marks a significant moment in India's political landscape.