Paromita Das
New Delhi, 12th September: On a crisp Friday morning in New Delhi, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of Bharat at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The solemn ceremony was presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, who administered the oath of office and secrecy. The event drew the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, and a host of dignitaries. In a rare public appearance since his resignation, former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also attended, symbolizing continuity amidst political transition.
Radhakrishnan’s elevation to this constitutional role marks the culmination of a career spanning over four decades in politics, public life, and governance. Backed by the ruling NDA, his victory over Opposition candidate and former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy was decisive, with 452 first preference votes against Reddy’s 300. Though the result was never in doubt given NDA’s strength in Parliament, the election was framed by the Opposition as an “ideological battle,” adding a sharper edge to what might otherwise have been a predictable contest.
From Tiruppur to Parliament: The Early Journey
Born on May 4, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, CP Radhakrishnan’s life story reflects a blend of grassroots activism and steady political ascent. A graduate in Business Administration, he was drawn into public life through his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His rise within the party was swift, and by 1998 he had secured a Lok Sabha seat from Coimbatore. His re-election in 1999 confirmed his growing influence, particularly in Tamil Nadu, a region where the BJP had often struggled to establish a stronghold.
During his two terms in Parliament, Radhakrishnan earned respect as a serious legislator. He chaired the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles and contributed as a member of committees on Public Sector Undertakings, Finance, and even the high-profile Special Committee investigating the Stock Exchange scam. His work extended beyond domestic politics; in 2004, he addressed the UN General Assembly as part of Bharat’s parliamentary delegation, a testament to the confidence his peers placed in him.
Leadership in Tamil Nadu and National Politics
Radhakrishnan’s tenure as BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president between 2004 and 2006 showcased his ability to mobilize support at the grassroots level. His 93-day rath yatra across the state left an imprint on regional politics, as he advocated for river-linking projects, social harmony, and stronger action against terrorism. It was under his stewardship that the BJP negotiated a renewed alliance with the AIADMK, reshaping electoral strategies in a state dominated by Dravidian parties.
His activism sometimes placed him at odds with authorities; in 2012, he faced court arrest during a protest against inaction following an attack on an RSS activist. Such incidents reinforced his reputation as a leader unafraid to take risks for causes he believed in.
Governorships and the Path to Delhi
Beyond his parliamentary and party roles, Radhakrishnan also served in gubernatorial capacities that prepared him for national leadership. In 2022, he was appointed Governor of Maharashtra, following an earlier stint as Governor of Jharkhand. His tenure in these roles was marked by a steady administrative style and an emphasis on outreach. He became known for his ability to balance ceremonial responsibilities with a pragmatic approach to governance.
Interestingly, his election as Vice President makes him the third Tamilian to occupy this prestigious office, after Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and R. Venkataraman, both of whom later ascended to the presidency. This historical parallel adds weight to his elevation, linking his story to a lineage of leaders from Tamil Nadu who have shaped Bharat’s constitutional journey.
Beyond Politics: The Man Behind the Office
What sets CP Radhakrishnan apart is his personality beyond the corridors of power. A college champion in table tennis and a long-distance runner, he continues to be an avid sportsperson. His love for cricket and volleyball is well known among his peers, reflecting a zest for life that complements his political persona.
Equally significant is his leadership of the Coir Board between 2016 and 2020. Under his guidance, coir exports touched a record high of ₹2,532 crore, a feat that won him praise not just within his party but across the political spectrum. This ability to deliver results in specialized sectors demonstrates his administrative versatility.
What His Victory Signifies
Radhakrishnan’s election as Vice President carries layered significance. On one hand, it reaffirms the NDA’s dominance in Parliament, where numbers made his victory inevitable. On the other, it underscores BJP’s effort to expand its national appeal by elevating leaders from regions like Tamil Nadu, where the party seeks stronger inroads.
The Opposition’s spirited campaign, though unsuccessful, framed the election as an ideological confrontation, emphasizing democratic plurality. Yet the decisive margin of Radhakrishnan’s victory highlights the present imbalance in political arithmetic.
From a broader perspective, his rise signals continuity in Bharat’s constitutional framework while also offering a chance for regional representation at the highest levels of governance. His track record suggests he will bring both administrative discipline and grassroots sensitivity to his new role.
A Bridge Between Politics and Statesmanship
In many ways, CP Radhakrishnan embodies the transition from party politician to statesman. His career is rooted in ideological commitment, but his administrative stints and parliamentary contributions suggest a leader capable of rising above partisanship. As Vice President, he will preside over the Rajya Sabha, a forum where his consensus-building skills will be tested in times of political polarization.
His challenge will be to balance his identity as a BJP stalwart with the constitutional expectation of neutrality. If he succeeds, he may well shape his legacy as more than just the NDA’s candidate—he could become a figure of unity in an era of division.
A New Chapter in Constitutional Leadership
CP Radhakrishnan’s swearing-in as Bharat’s 15th Vice President marks both a personal milestone and a chapter of historical continuity. From his humble beginnings in Tiruppur to the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan, his journey reflects persistence, conviction, and a deep engagement with public life.
As he takes office, the expectations are immense. Will he rise above party lines to guide the Rajya Sabha with fairness? Can he embody the constitutional dignity the role demands while also reflecting the aspirations of ordinary citizens? The answers will unfold in time. What is certain, however, is that his story adds yet another chapter to the evolving narrative of Bharat’s democracy—one where regional voices, grassroots activism, and national leadership converge.
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