CP Radhakrishnan NDA’s Surprising VP Pick
CP Radhakrishnan, NDA’s VP Pick, has created a big buzz in Indian politics. Born in Tamil Nadu, he started his journey with the RSS and later became an important BJP leader. Twice elected as MP from Coimbatore, CP Radhakrishnan has also served as Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra. His long career and clean image make him a trusted face. With NDA naming him as their Vice Presidential candidate, CP Radhakrishnan NDA hopes to strengthen its reach in South India.
Did you know? CP Radhakrishnan started his political journey as a volunteer with the RSS before becoming a top BJP leader in Tamil Nadu.
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Politics in India just took a dramatic turn. The BJP-led NDA has announced its candidate for the Vice President of India, and the choice has raised eyebrows across the nation—Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, better known as C P Radhakrishnan.
But who is he really? Why was he chosen, and how could this decision impact the future of Indian politics? Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.
Who Exactly is CP Radhakrishnan?
Born on 20 October 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan’s story is not just about politics—it’s about persistence, hard work, and dedication to public service.
- He started his political journey with RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) as a volunteer.
- By 1974, he had joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh’s state executive committee.
- He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
- His rise in politics began with student movements before becoming a full-time BJP leader.
His Political Career: The Ups and Downs
- CP Radhakrishnan has had a roller-coaster ride in Indian politics.
- 1998 & 1999 – Won as Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
- Faced defeats in Coimbatore later in 2004, 2014, and 2019.
- Served as Tamil Nadu BJP President, where he became known for his bold stands.
In 2007, he led a 19,000 km long Rath Yatra across Tamil Nadu for 93 days, raising issues like:
- River linking
- Terrorism
- Uniform Civil Code
- Social reforms like ending untouchability and drug abuse
This made him a respected voice within BJP, especially in South India.
Fun Fact: In 2007, Radhakrishnan led a 19,000 km Rath Yatra across Tamil Nadu in 93 days to raise awareness on important social issues!
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His Role Beyond Tamil Nadu
CP Radhakrishnan’s contributions are not just limited to Tamil Nadu.
- Governor of Jharkhand (2023) – Later also given additional charge of Telangana & Puducherry.
- Governor of Maharashtra (2024) – His current post before being named as NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate.
- Chairman of Coir Board (2016-2020) – Boosted India’s coconut fibre exports to a record ₹2,532 crore.
- Kerala BJP In-Charge (2020-2022) – Strengthened BJP’s network in Kerala.
Quick Insight: He has served as Governor of Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and handled additional charges in Telangana & Puducherry, showing strong administrative skills.
Why Did NDA Choose Him for Vice President?
The Vice President of India is also the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. That means the person in this role needs experience, maturity, and the ability to handle tough debates.
So why CP Radhakrishnan?
- South India Connect – BJP is trying to expand its presence in the south. Having a Tamil Nadu leader as Vice President sends a powerful message.
- Trusted Party Loyalist – He has been with BJP since its early days.
- Administrative Experience – From being a governor to heading boards, he has handled diverse responsibilities.
- Clean Image – Unlike many politicians, Radhakrishnan is seen as honest and hardworking.
Remember: The Vice President also chairs the Rajya Sabha, so experience, maturity, and trustworthiness matter a lot for this role.
How is the Vice President of India Elected?
Understanding how the Vice President of India is elected can feel tricky, but let’s simplify it. The process is different from the Presidential election and follows specific rules. To make it super easy, Here’s a clear and engaging breakdown of the steps, eligibility, and voting system, presented in a simple table for quick reference anytime.
| Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Type | Indirect election |
| Who Votes? | Only MPs of Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha |
| Difference from Presidential Election | MLAs do not vote here |
| Eligible Voters | Both elected & nominated MPs |
| Nomination Rules | Needs 20 proposers & 20 seconders |
| Deposit | ₹15,000 required |
| Eligibility | – Must be Indian citizen – At least 35 years old – Eligible for Rajya Sabha – Cannot hold office of profit |
This year, the last date for nominations is August 21, voting is on September 9, and results will be announced the same day.
What This Means for India
If CP Radhakrishnan wins (which is highly likely given NDA’s numbers), he will:
- Play a crucial role in Rajya Sabha debates.
- Be the second highest constitutional authority in India, after the President.
- Be a symbol of BJP’s focus on South India, where the party is still struggling to gain strong ground.
- For BJP, this is not just about filling a post—it’s about strategy and symbolism.
Final Thoughts
C P Radhakrishnan’s journey proves that in Indian politics, patience and loyalty can take you very far. From a student activist in Tiruppur to possibly becoming the Vice President of India, his life story is one of resilience and determination.
The big question is: Will his appointment strengthen BJP’s presence in South India, or will it remain just a symbolic move? Only time will tell.
FAQs
Q1: Who is C P Radhakrishnan?
A Tamil Nadu-born BJP leader, two-time MP from Coimbatore, former state BJP president, ex-Governor of Jharkhand & Maharashtra, and now NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate.
Q2: Why did NDA choose Radhakrishnan?
For his loyalty, clean image, administrative experience, and to boost BJP’s connect in South India.
Q3: How is the Vice President of India elected?
By MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha through an indirect election.
Q4: What is the role of Vice President?
The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India and also the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Q5: When will the Vice Presidential election be held?
On September 9, with results declared the same day.
Think About It: If elected, Radhakrishnan could strengthen BJP’s presence in South India and influence important debates in Parliament.
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Credit: Video courtesy of NDTV Profit.
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