CP Radhakrishnan is India’s new Vice President. From Coimbatore MP to Maharashtra Governor, here’s his inspiring political journey explained.
Indian politics never fails to surprise. One day, you’re a student volunteer running around with pamphlets, and a few decades later, you’re sworn in as the Vice President of India. CP Radhakrishnan’s story is proof that persistence (and a good pair of walking shoes for those long yatras) can indeed take you places.
And yes, in his case, quite literally across 19,000 km during his famous “Rath Yatra.”
The Election Result: Numbers That Spoke Loudly
On September 9, 2025, NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan secured his place in history. He won the vice presidential elections with 452 votes, while the opposition INDIA bloc’s candidate B Sudershan Reddy managed 300 votes.
Out of 788 MPs, a whopping 98.20% turnout was recorded. That’s 767 MPs casting their vote—probably one of the few days when MPs turned up on time without any adjournment drama. Of course, 13 MPs abstained, proving once again that indecisiveness is an underrated political skill.
Fifteen votes were also declared invalid. Let’s just say ballot paper instructions are still harder than rocket science for some.
Who is CP Radhakrishnan?
Full name: Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan.
Born on May 4, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, he grew up with the kind of discipline and determination that politics demands. He began his journey in public life at just 16 years old as a volunteer with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Later, he joined the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, which paved the way for his entry into mainstream politics.
And here’s a fun trivia nugget: He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from VO Chidambaram College in Tuticorin. Clearly, managing politics and managing businesses aren’t that different—you still have to keep everyone happy while balancing many accounts.
The Political Breakthrough
Radhakrishnan’s defining moment came in the aftermath of the 1998 Coimbatore bombings. Riding on the wave of public sentiment, he was elected as the Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore. He didn’t just stop there. He was re-elected in 1999, proving that political loyalty in Tamil Nadu isn’t always just about cinema charisma.
During his time in Parliament, he served as the chairman of the Parliamentary standing committee on textiles. Considering textiles are the lifeblood of Coimbatore, this role fit him like a handloom kurta.
Representing India Abroad
Radhakrishnan also made his mark on the global stage. He represented India at the United Nations General Assembly in 2004, adding some international exposure to his political résumé.
He was also part of the first Indian parliamentary delegation to Taiwan. If diplomacy were a cricket match, this was one of those “warm-up tours” that prepare you for the big leagues.
Leadership Roles in Tamil Nadu
From 2004 to 2007, Radhakrishnan served as the Tamil Nadu BJP president. His most remembered act during this time? A 93-day, 19,000 km “Rath Yatra” across the state. The campaign focused on:
- River-linking
- Eradication of untouchability
- Advocating a uniform civil code
If political commitment were measured in kilometers, CP Radhakrishnan would already be in another continent.
A Governor with Many Hats
Radhakrishnan’s administrative experience didn’t stop with Parliament. In 2016, he was appointed chairman of the All India Coir Board under the Ministry of MSME, where he helped achieve record export figures. Coir might not sound glamorous, but boosting small industries is no small achievement.
Later, he was appointed Governor of Jharkhand (Feb 2023–July 2024). Along with that, he briefly held additional responsibilities as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Clearly, he’s the kind of leader the Centre calls when they need someone dependable in tricky postings.
On July 31, 2024, he was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra, giving him one of the most politically vibrant states to manage. And now, barely a year later, he’s moved up another step as the Vice President. Talk about a promotion ladder that’s faster than most corporate jobs.
Strategic Importance of His Nomination
Radhakrishnan isn’t just another name in the BJP’s political roster. He’s the first person from South India and only the second OBC leader to be nominated for Vice President.
Belonging to the Kongu Vellala Gounder community, his selection is seen as a strategic move by the NDA. Tamil Nadu, after all, has been a tough nut for the BJP to crack, and his appointment could be a way to send a stronger signal in the region.
As one political analyst put it (quoted in The Hindu), “In Indian politics, representation is more than symbolism—it’s about building bridges where you want to expand.”
The Man Behind the Position
While positions and titles often overshadow personalities, CP Radhakrishnan is known to be approachable, disciplined, and committed to his causes. His political speeches often highlight social reforms, economic growth, and national unity.
Unlike some politicians who thrive on drama, his career has been marked more by steady progress than headline-making controversies. For a Vice President, that’s probably a good thing—you need someone who can keep order in the Rajya Sabha without turning it into a daily reality show.
Why This Matters
India’s Vice President is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. With the Upper House often witnessing walkouts, adjournments, and the occasional flying paper missile, this role is critical. CP Radhakrishnan will now be the man responsible for keeping debates on track.
In other words, he’s stepping into one of the most important yet toughest referee jobs in Indian politics.
From Tiruppur to Taiwan, Coimbatore to Coir Board, and now to the Vice Presidency—CP Radhakrishnan proves that in Indian politics, patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a career strategy.
So, what do you think about CP Radhakrishnan’s journey? Does his rise signal a stronger southern push for the NDA? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with your political-junkie friends, and don’t forget to explore more stories that decode India’s political chessboard.
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