Who Is CP Radhakrishnan? NDA's Pick For Vice President Post With Eyes On TN Polls Next Year
Radhakrishnan, a former Governor of Jharkhand and BJP Tamil Nadu State President, has a background in business administration and early ties to the RSS.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday named Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election.
The announcement followed a meeting of the BJP parliamentary board, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior leaders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, noted Radhakrishnan's distinguished career as he announced his candidature.
"During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu," Modi said.
"Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states. His Parliamentary interventions were always incisive. During his gubernatorial tenures, he focused on addressing challenges faced by common citizens. These experiences ensured that he has vast knowledge of legislative and Constitutional matters. I am confident he will be an inspiring Vice President," he added.
Who is CP Radhakrishnan?
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, widely known as CP Radhakrishnan, was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024. Prior to this role, he served as the Governor of Jharkhand for nearly 18 months, according to the Maharashtra Raj Bhavan website.
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. His political journey began early—he was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and became a State Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974.
Radhakrishnan also held key leadership positions in the BJP, serving as the Tamil Nadu State President from 2004 to 2007.
Beyond politics, he has an interest in sports. A former college champion in table tennis and a long-distance runner, he is also fond of cricket and volleyball, the Raj Bhavan website notes.
Radhakrishnan's Appointment: BJP’s Southern Strategy For Tamil Nadu Polls?
The selection of veteran leader C.P. Radhakrishnan can be viewed as a strategic move by the BJP with a keen eye on the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections slated to take place next year. The BJP has been struggling to gain a significant foothold in the state and recently re-entered an alliance with the AIADMK to improve its electoral prospects. Radhakrishnan’s selection can be seen as a way for the BJP to counter the ruling DMK’s influence among voters.
C.P. Radhakrishnan's political career spans over four decades, and he is a well-respected figure in Tamil Nadu's political and public life. He has been elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore on two separate occasions while also having served as the state president of the Tamil Nadu BJP.
As the Tamil Nadu BJP chief from 2004 to 2007, Radhakrishnan embarked on a significant 19,000 km 'Ratha Yatra' that lasted for 93 days, NDTV reported. The yatra was organised to highlight key demands, including the linking of all Indian rivers, eradicating terrorism, implementing a uniform civil code, removing untouchability, and combating narcotic drugs. He also led two additional 'Padayatras' for different causes.
Vice Presidential Election
The Vice Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, the Election Commission announced. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, with scrutiny of documents set for August 22.
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