In a show of strength and unity, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee CP Radhakrishnan filed his nomination papers for the Vice-Presidential election on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several senior Union ministers and NDA leaders, accompanied him, highlighting the alliance’s collective backing ahead of the September 9 polls.
Before submitting his nomination, Radhakrishnan visited the Prerna Sthal in the Parliament complex, a site dedicated to the nation’s eminent leaders. He first paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by bowing before his statue and then offered respects at the memorials of other national icons commemorated there.
Following the verification of his documents by the returning officer, Radhakrishnan entered his name in the official register. Prime Minister Modi received an acknowledgment slip, signaling the formal completion of the nomination procedure.
Radhakrishnan, who is presently the Governor of Maharashtra, was announced on Sunday as the NDA’s candidate for the Vice Presidency. With the alliance’s strong parliamentary numbers, his victory is largely seen as certain.
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Prior to his tenure in Maharashtra, he held the position of Governor of Jharkhand for around 18 months, according to the Maharashtra Raj Bhavan records.
CP Radhakrishnan’s journey reflects a subtle yet profound evolution, shaped by education, humility, and a legacy of public service. His mother, Janakiammal, a retired elementary school teacher, named him after Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, hoping her son would one day mirror the wisdom and dignity of the philosopher-president. His father, with a hint of humor, once remarked that he might grow up to resemble India’s second President—a prediction that now seems remarkably prescient.
Politics was deeply rooted in his family as well. His uncle, CK Kuppusamy, served three terms as a Congress MP, adding an intriguing dimension to the family’s political tapestry.