Indian politics has always been shaped by leaders who combine ideology with organizational skill and administrative experience. One such personality is Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, popularly known as C.P. Radhakrishnan, who became the 15th Vice President of India in September 2025. His career, spanning grassroots activism, parliamentary leadership, administrative roles, and gubernatorial assignments, makes him a significant figure in contemporary Indian politics.
For UPSC aspirants, studying his life is essential not just for current affairs but also for understanding the polity, governance, and dynamics of federalism in India.
Early Life and Education
C.P. Radhakrishnan was born on 4 May 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, a city widely known as India’s textile hub. Coming from a family rooted in social service and freedom struggle, his upbringing was deeply influenced by nationalist values.
- His father, C.K. Ponnusamy, was a Gandhian and freedom fighter.
- His mother, K. Janaki, was a social worker.
He married R. Sumathi in 1985 and has two children.
Academically, he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi. Alongside academics, he excelled in sports, becoming a college table tennis champion, while also developing interests in cricket, volleyball, and long-distance running. His active participation in Lions Clubs International reflected his early commitment to social service.
Early Political Journey and Ideology
Radhakrishnan’s political journey began early. At just 13 years of age (1970), he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and by 16 (1974), he became part of the Jan Sangh’s Tamil Nadu State Executive Committee.
In 1980, with the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he became an active member and was closely associated with Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His role in cadre-building and student politics in Tamil Nadu made him a key organizer in a state where the BJP had minimal presence.
Ideologically, he has remained firmly committed to the RSS-BJP philosophy of Hindutva, while also developing a reputation as a pragmatic leader and skilled negotiator.
Parliamentary Career (1998–2004)
Radhakrishnan made his mark in electoral politics by representing Coimbatore constituency in the Lok Sabha.
- 1998: Elected to the 12th Lok Sabha, defeating DMK’s M. Ramanathan by over 1.5 lakh votes, one of the largest victory margins in Tamil Nadu.
- 1999: Re-elected to the 13th Lok Sabha with a margin of 55,000 votes.
- 2004: Lost the seat to CPI’s K. Subbarayan.
- 2014 & 2019: Contested but was unsuccessful.
During his tenure, he served on important parliamentary committees:
- Committee on Public Sector Undertakings (1998–2004)
- Consultative Committee for Finance
A highlight of his career was in 2003, when he represented India at the 58th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, delivering a speech on disaster relief and international cooperation.
Leadership Roles in the BJP
From 2004 to 2006, Radhakrishnan served as the President of BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit. His tenure was marked by the historic 93-day Rath Yatra across the state, where he raised issues of counter-terrorism, social reforms, and interlinking of rivers.
He also played a vital role in strengthening the BJP in Kerala and other southern states, where the party historically had limited influence. His inclusive approach earned him the nickname “Ajatshatru” (one without enemies), as he was respected across party lines.
Administrative Roles
Radhakrishnan’s administrative career further strengthened his profile:
- Chairman, Coir Board of India (2016–2020):
- Achieved record growth in coir exports.
- Promoted rural employment through self-help groups.
- Supported eco-friendly coir products, aligning with sustainable development.
Additionally, he has served as a National Executive Member of the BJP, actively participating in party organization and policy-making.
Gubernatorial Career (2023–2025)
His gubernatorial experience added a federal dimension to his career:
- Jharkhand Governor: Took office on 18 February 2023.
- Additional Charges (March–July 2024): Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
- Maharashtra Governor: From 27 July 2024 to September 2025, he oversaw state affairs during political transitions.
This multi-state experience showcased his ability to handle diverse administrative challenges.
Vice Presidency (2025–Present)
C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the Vice President of India on 9 September 2025, marking a historic moment:
- Predecessor: Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned before completing his term – a rare occurrence in Indian politics.
- Significance: First Vice Presidential election before term completion since 1987.
- Support Base: Backed by BJP President J.P. Nadda, with support from NDA allies (AIADMK, JD(U), NCP, TDP, Shiv Sena) and external support from YSRCP.
- Result:
- Secured 452 votes (60.10%)
- Defeated B. Sudarshan Reddy of the INDIA bloc, who got 300 votes (39.90%)
- Victory Margin: 152 votes
As Vice President, he also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a critical role in maintaining parliamentary balance.
Contributions and Achievements
Political
- Over four decades of active politics in Tamil Nadu.
- Expanded BJP’s influence in South India.
- Respected as a consensus-builder across parties.
Administrative
- Handled responsibilities across 3 states and 1 Union Territory.
- Promoted sustainable rural development through coir industry.
- Represented India on the global stage at the UN.
Social
- Strong advocate for river-linking projects.
- Promoted women empowerment and rural employment.
- Active in community service and reform initiatives.
UPSC Relevance
For UPSC preparation, C.P. Radhakrishnan’s profile is important under:
- Polity: Vice President’s role and powers; Rajya Sabha functioning.
- Federalism: Governor’s position and constitutional debates.
- Political Science: RSS-BJP ideology, coalition politics, and expansion in South India.
- International Relations: India’s representation at global platforms like the UNGA.
- Current Affairs: 2025 Vice Presidential election – first before term completion in decades.
Timeline Summary
- 1957: Born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu
- 1970: Joined RSS at age 13
- 1974: Jan Sangh State Executive Member
- 1980: Joined BJP, close associate of Vajpayee
- 1998–1999: Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore
- 2003: Represented India at UNGA
- 2004–2006: Tamil Nadu BJP President
- 2016–2020: Chairman, Coir Board of India
- 2023: Governor of Jharkhand
- 2024: Additional charge of Telangana & Puducherry; Governor of Maharashtra
- 2025: Elected Vice President of India
Expected UPSC Questions
- Discuss the role and powers of the Vice President of India in the context of parliamentary democracy.
- Examine the constitutional position of the Governor with reference to C.P. Radhakrishnan’s gubernatorial career.
- Analyze BJP’s expansion strategy in South India and the role of leaders like C.P. Radhakrishnan.
- Highlight the significance of India’s representation at the United Nations General Assembly (2003) by Radhakrishnan.
- Evaluate the importance of consensus-building leadership in Indian politics.
Conclusion
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s rise from a small town in Tamil Nadu to the second-highest constitutional office in India reflects a life dedicated to service, ideology, and governance. His journey provides insights into the functioning of parliamentary democracy, federalism, and party politics in India.
For UPSC aspirants, his profile is a comprehensive case study that connects current affairs with polity, governance, and political science, making it a must-prepare topic for both Prelims and Mains.
