“CP Radhakrishnan: Top 10 Things to Know About BJP’s VP Pick”

“CP Radhakrishnan, the seasoned leader from Tamil Nadu and current Governor of Maharashtra, has now been announced as BJP’s Vice President candidate. From his early political journey to key milestones in public service, here are the important facts you need to know about him.”

“Union Minister JP Nadda announced that Maharashtra Governor Radhakrishnan will be the NDA’s candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. The BJP expressed hopes for a unanimous choice and has reached out to opposition leaders for support.”

Understand everything in 10 points…

• Sir Radhakrishnan biography– born in Tamil Nadu, has been serving as the Governor of Maharashtra since July last year.

• The 68-year-old Radhakrishnan previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. He also held additional charge of the Governor of Telangana and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024.
• In 2023, soon after being appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand, C.P. Radhakrishnan toured all 24 districts within just four months, meeting citizens and district officials directly.
• A senior BJP leader, he was elected twice as Member of Parliament from Coimbatore and also served as the President of Tamil Nadu BJP earlier in his career.
• As Tamil Nadu BJP chief (2004–2007), he launched a massive “Rath Yatra” covering 19,000 km in 93 days. The campaign highlighted key issues like:
• Interlinking of Indian rivers
• Elimination of terrorism
• Implementation of a Uniform Civil Code
• Ending untouchability
• Combating the threat of drugs
• Apart from the Rath Yatra, he also led two more padayatras (foot marches) on social causes.
• With over four decades of political and social experience, Radhakrishnan is regarded as a respected figure in Tamil Nadu’s public life.
• Born in 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, he completed his BBA degree from Chidambaram College, Coimbatore.
• An avid sportsman, he was a college-level table tennis champion and also excelled as a long-distance runner. His passion extended to cricket and volleyball as well.
• The post of Vice President of India became vacant on July 21, 2025, when Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health reasons, on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
• The Election Commission announced September 9, 2025 as the date for both voting and counting of votes for the Vice President’s election.

Why His Vice-Presidential Candidacy Matters

On August 17, 2025, the BJP’s Parliamentary Board—chaired by PM Narendra Modi—nominated Radhakrishnan as the NDA’s Vice President candidate

Strategic and symbolic significance:

• His nomination highlights the BJP’s intensified outreach to South India—especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala—as part of its broader “Mission South” strategy
• As an experienced, respected leader with a clean image and cross-party goodwill, he stands as a unifier in state and national politics
• He brings not only decades-old RSS and BJP ties, but also strong connections with diverse communities, especially OBC groups in Tamil Nadu

A number of regional allies—like TDP and Janasena—have already voiced their support. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc mobilizes around the symbolism of his roots in Tamil Nadu, with some opposing voices pointing to his RSS background

A Leader Defined by Practical Idealism

What stands out in Radhakrishnan’s journey is how seamlessly he blends ideals with execution:

• From exciting sportsman to business graduate, his early years laid a foundation in leadership and teamwork.
• His political path—from grassroots volunteer to national policymaker—has always been guided by mission-driven leadership.
• Constitutional appointments have given him a broader governance perspective and broadened his appeal across regions.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for India

C P Radhakrishnan Vice President candidate BJP

As the Vice Presidential race unfolds on September 9, 2025, C.P. Radhakrishnan’s nomination reflects not merely a political decision, but a message: a new era of inclusive leadership, mindful of regional representation and rooted in integrity.

His story invites us to consider: what kind of public servant does this nation need? Someone with unshakeable perseverance, regional empathy, and an ability to rise above partisan divides—qualities Radhakrishnan has lived through each chapter of his career.

Conclusion:

In a calculated move announced on August 17, 2025, the NDA has chosen C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, as C P Radhakrishnan Vice President candidate election to be elected on September 9, 2025. The decision, announced following deliberation at the BJP Parliamentary Board led by PM Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda, marks a strategic political change. Radhakrishnan’s choice is resounding on various counts: he is revered for his all-embracing appeal, unblemished record, and strong RSS ideology, which render him a non-controversial and broad-based candidate – in contrast to his controversial predecessor Jagdeep Dhankhar. PM Modi praised Radhakrishnan as an icon of devotion, humility, and brilliance, who is poised to motivate as Vice President.

The nomination also seems aimed at reinforcing the BJP’s regional agenda, building its presence in South India—particularly Tamil Nadu—by highlighting an admired local leader who cuts across narrow partisan divisions. In fact, many NDA allies such as JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar, TDP, and Janasena have already declared their support for Radhakrishnan, indicating wide alliance support.

Conversely, the INDIA group recognizes his qualifications but is concerned with another RSS-affiliated person occupying a top constitutional position.
In essence, Radhakrishnan’s nomination is a symbol of strategic inclusion—a leader of administrative depth, ideological alignment, and regional stature—laid out the stage for an election battle of high stakes on September 9.

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