C.P. Radhakrishnan – India’s 15th Vice President
Kudos to Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan for being elected as the 15th Vice President of India, securing 452 votes in the election and winning by a margin of 152 votes. His victory exceeded expectations, reflecting a strong support base across party lines. Radhakrishnan’s election is being hailed as a symbol of clean politics, and he is expected to uphold this image by promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
A seasoned politician with a rich background in governance and politics, Radhakrishnan’s elevation marks a significant milestone, especially considering his roots in Tamil Nadu, a state where the BJP has traditionally faced challenges in gaining political ground.
Election Victory with 452 Votes and Strong Support Base
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan was serving as the Governor of Maharashtra since July 2024 before being named the NDA’s Vice Presidential nominee. His association with the RSS and BJP spans over four decades, beginning as an RSS swayamsevak at the age of 16. He served as a two-term Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore and held several key positions within the Tamil Nadu BJP.
Radhakrishnan’s experience in governance is extensive. He has served as the Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, and Maharashtra, showcasing his administrative acumen and legislative expertise. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. A sports enthusiast, he excelled in table tennis and also took a keen interest in cricket and volleyball. He has represented India on multiple international delegations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
With his pragmatic approach to leadership, Radhakrishnan has demonstrated an ability to navigate complex political landscapes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his election, stating that Radhakrishnan “will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse.” His deep understanding of parliamentary procedures is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring productive debates and minimizing disruptions in the Upper House.
As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan will be tasked with fostering a platform for constructive discussions and effective policy-making, rather than political confrontation. He will need to balance his political background with impartiality, ensuring fair representation of all parties, and promoting collaborative governance.
Unlike his predecessor, Jagdeep Dhankhar, known for his vocal and impulsive nature, Radhakrishnan is perceived as a mellow and inclusive leader, likely to foster a more cooperative atmosphere in the Rajya Sabha.
His notable contributions include shaping the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. He led a 93-day, 19,000-km ‘Rath Yatra’ across Tamil Nadu to highlight key issues such as river-linking projects, eradication of untouchability, and combating terrorism. He has also contributed to campaigns focused on tuberculosis eradication in Jharkhand, Puducherry, and Maharashtra.
As a representative from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan will be expected to address regional concerns while prioritizing national interests. His pragmatic approach will help in devising effective solutions to complex challenges by balancing competing priorities.
With his vast political and governance experience, C.P. Radhakrishnan is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the Vice President’s office. He is expected to uphold the dignity and integrity of the position, ensuring that the Rajya Sabha functions smoothly, efficiently, and productively in the years to come.
(Written by Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit)
