Date: August 17, 2025
Location: New Delhi
In a landmark development in Indian politics, seasoned leader Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, commonly known as C. P. Radhakrishnan, has been chosen as the Vice President of India by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) The Economic Times.
Key Highlights
- Nomination and Political Burnish
Radhakrishnan, currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, received the NDA’s endorsement for the Vice Presidential post during a meeting of the BJP parliamentary board presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The nomination was officially declared by BJP President J.P. Nadda The Economic TimesIndia TodayBusiness Standard. - Remarks & Response
In his first public reaction, Radhakrishnan expressed being “moved and touched beyond words” by the trust placed in him. He offered heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and NDA partners for the honor and pledged to “work hard for the Nation until my last breath” mint. - Strategic Significance
Political analysts underscore the strategic edge of this nomination. Radhakrishnan, hailing from the OBC Gounder community in Western Tamil Nadu, aligns with influential local leadership and helps reinforced ties with key regional constituencies like Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. His RSS roots also reinforce ideological coherence within the alliance Navbharat TimesIndia TV News.
Who Is C. P. Radhakrishnan?
Early Political Journey & Education
- Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration Business Today@mathrubhumiWikipedia.
- His political engagement began early, joining the RSS at age 16 and later becoming an integral member of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh in 1974 Business TodayWikipedia.
Parliamentary Contributions
- Elected as a Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999. He chaired parliamentary committees on textiles, public sector undertakings, and finance, and participated in significant probes like the Stock Exchange Scam Business TodayIndia TodaymintWikipedia.
Party Leadership & Grassroots Campaigns
- Served as BJP Tamil Nadu President (2004–2007). Led a 93-day, 19,000 km “Rath Yatra” focusing on river interlinking, eliminating untouchability, and promoting social equality Business Today@mathrubhumiWikipedia.
Administrative & Constitutional Role
- Held several gubernatorial posts:
- Jharkhand Governor (Feb 2023 – Jul 2024)
- Additional charges as Telangana Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry in early 2024
- Became Maharashtra Governor on July 31, 2024 Business Today@mathrubhumiThe WeekWikipedia.
Other Contributions & Persona
- Chaired the All India Coir Board (2016–2020), overseeing record exports. Served as BJP’s in-charge for Kerala from 2020 to 2022 Business Today@mathrubhumiWikipedia.
- Sports enthusiast: excelled in table tennis, long-distance running, and engaged in cricket and volleyball Business Today@mathrubhumi.
- Known for his “modest, grassroots approach” and respected across communities, earning the moniker “Modi of Tamil Nadu” @mathrubhumiWikipedia.
The Road Ahead
- Election Schedule: The Vice Presidential election is set for September 9, 2025, following the early resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July mintWikipedia.
- Political Context: With the NDA holding numerical strength in the electoral college, Radhakrishnan is well-positioned to secure the post—even if the opposition fields a candidate The WeekWikipedia.
- Political Ramifications: His elevation is viewed as a signal to Tamil Nadu’s influential communities and a gesture aimed at consolidating support across southern states ahead of the 2026 state elections India TV NewsNavbharat Times.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1957 |
| Current Role | Governor of Maharashtra |
| Past Roles | Lok Sabha MP (1998, 1999), TN BJP President (2004–07), Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry |
| Political Roots | RSS cadre since youth, Jan Sangh early member |
| Key Contributions | Parliamentary service, Rath Yatra, Coir Board, sports |
| VP Nomination | NDA nominee, announced August 17, 2025 |
| Election Date | September 9, 2025 |
| Significance | Strategic caste-regional balance, ideological stature, political experience |
Conclusion
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s elevation to Vice President marks a confluence of experience, ideological consistency, and political strategy. His profile as a veteran grassroots leader with administrative credibility makes him an asset not just to the NDA but to the nation’s constitutional leadership. As India prepares for the upcoming election, all eyes will be on the legislative corridors and state capitals.