C.P. Radhakrishnan has been elected as India's 15th Vice President, securing a decisive victory with 452 votes against his opponent B. Sudershan Reddy's 300 votes. The 68-year-old seasoned politician, who currently serves as the Governor of Maharashtra, will now assume the country's second-highest constitutional office. His election marks another milestone in his extensive political career that spans over four decades and demonstrates his significant contributions to Indian politics. 
CP Radhakrishnan: India's 15th Vice President and His Remarkable Political Journey


Early Life and Background

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was born on May 4, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. He developed an early interest in both academics and sports, eventually earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from V.O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi. During his college years, he excelled as an athlete, becoming a college champion in table tennis and a skilled long-distance runner. 

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Radhakrishnan's political journey began at the remarkably young age of 16 when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His dedication and leadership skills quickly became apparent, and by 1974, at just 17 years old, he became a member of the State Executive Committee of the Bharatiya Janasangh, the political precursor to the BJP.

Political Journey and Parliamentary Contributions

Radhakrishnan's national political career took off during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in both the 1998 and 1999 general elections. His 1998 victory was particularly significant as it came shortly after the Coimbatore bombings, and he was one of only three BJP candidates to win in Tamil Nadu that year, marking a major breakthrough for his party in the state.
During his tenure as a member of parliament, Radhakrishnan held several important positions:
  • Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Textiles
  • Member of the Parliamentary Committee for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
  • Member of the Consultative Committee for Finance
  • Participant in India's parliamentary delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in 2003
Between 2004 and 2007, Radhakrishnan served as the president of BJP's Tamil Nadu unit. During this period, he undertook an impressive 93-day 'Rath Yatra' that covered 19,000 kilometers across the state. This journey advocated for several important issues including river linking projects, eradication of untouchability, implementation of a uniform civil code, and combating terrorism and narcotics.

Administrative Experience as Governor

Radhakrishnan brought his extensive political experience to administrative roles when he was appointed Governor of Jharkhand in February 2023. During his tenure, he visited all 24 districts of the state within his first four months, focusing on grassroots engagement and understanding local challenges.
In July 2024, he was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra. Additionally, he temporarily held the gubernatorial responsibilities for Telangana and Puducherry simultaneously, demonstrating his administrative versatility and the trust placed in him by the central government.
Throughout his gubernatorial roles, Radhakrishnan maintained cooperative relationships with state governments and opposition parties alike. Colleagues and political observers often describe him as having a non-confrontational temperament and maintaining cordial relations across the political spectrum.

Election as Vice President

The vice presidential election held on September 9, 2025, came after the unexpected resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Radhakrishnan, as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, won comfortably owing to the coalition's numerical strength in Parliament. The election saw a 96% turnout among parliamentarians, highlighting the importance placed on this constitutional position.
As Vice President, Radhakrishnan will also serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, responsible for maintaining decorum and facilitating smooth parliamentary proceedings. 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that Radhakrishnan's extensive experience would "strengthen Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse".

Personal Life and Legacy

Radhakrishnan is married to R. Sumathi, and the couple has two children. Beyond politics, he maintains interests in sports like cricket and volleyball and is a member of Lions Clubs International. He has traveled extensively, visiting numerous countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. 


Belonging to the Kongu Vellalar Gounder community (an OBC group with significant influence in western Tamil Nadu), Radhakrishnan's election is seen as part of the BJP's broader outreach in southern India. His reputation for integrity and moderation has earned him respect across party lines, with one senior DMK leader even describing him as "a good man in the wrong party".

Conclusion

C.P. Radhakrishnan's journey from an RSS volunteer to India's Vice President represents a remarkable evolution in Indian politics. His extensive experience—as a parliamentarian, party organizer, and administrator—prepares him well for his new role as the custodian of the Rajya Sabha. As India continues to navigate complex political and social challenges, Radhakrishnan's leadership is expected to contribute significantly to the country's democratic processes and constitutional values.
His election continues the tradition of experienced politicians assuming the vice presidential office and brings a southern Indian perspective to this important position. With his assumed responsibilities, Radhakrishnan enters a new chapter of his already distinguished career in public service.