Who Is C. P. Radhakrishnan? Profile of India’s New Vice President
Introduction
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan—better known as C. P. Radhakrishnan—has been elected as India’s 15th Vice President in September 2025, following an illustrious career spanning politics, administration, and public service.
Early Life and Background
Born on 4 May 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan hails from the influential Gounder community (an OBC group). He completed his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from V. O. Chidambaram College. Even in his college days, he was active in sports, excelling in table tennis and long-distance running.
Ever since his youth, Radhakrishnan has been closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and later became a prominent face of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu.
Political Journey & Parliamentary Experience
Radhakrishnan served two terms as the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Coimbatore, winning elections in 1998 and 1999. He also held the position of President of BJP’s Tamil Nadu wing, strengthening the party’s presence in a region historically challenging for the BJP.
Administrative Roles: Governor and Beyond
In 2016, Radhakrishnan was appointed Chairman of the Coir Board, where under his leadership, India’s coir exports reached record highs (over ₹2,700 crore).
In February 2023, he was appointed Governor of Jharkhand. Over time, he also held additional gubernatorial responsibilities as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. On 31 July 2024, he was sworn in as Governor of Maharashtra.
The Road to the Vice-Presidency
In August 2025, following the resignation of then Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) chose Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the vice-presidential election. His candidacy had strong ideological backing from the RSS as well as strategic political support across southern and OBC communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his integrity, simplicity, and love for sports (while emphasizing that he “does not play games in politics”), formally introduced him as the NDA’s candidate. His nomination papers were filed with Modi himself as one of the proposers.
Election Victory
The vice-presidential election was held on 9 September 2025. Out of 767 votes cast, 452 went to C. P. Radhakrishnan, while his opponent, former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy (INDIA bloc), received 300 votes; 15 votes were invalid. This margin underscored the NDA’s parliamentary strength and widespread political consensus.
Significance & Legacy
By winning this election, Radhakrishnan assumes the dual role of Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
Being from South India, his elevation brings regional balance and fresh representation to India’s top constitutional posts. Known for his non-confrontational demeanor, sportsmanship, and dedication to public service, he embodies qualities often emphasized as virtues in public life.
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