C. P. Radhakrishnan assumed office as the 15th Vice President of India in September 2025, marking the culmination of a political career spanning more than four decades. Known for his integrity, administrative experience, and ability to command respect across party lines, the Tamil Nadu leader now occupies one of the highest constitutional posts in the country.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan hails from the Kongu Vellalar Gounder community. He completed his Bachelor of Business Administration at V. O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, where he was active in sports and won a table tennis championship. Inspired early by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, he began his lifelong journey in public service as a teenager.
Political Journey
Radhakrishnan’s formal entry into politics came with the Jan Sangh in the 1970s, becoming a state executive committee member in 1974. Rising steadily in the Bharatiya Janata Party, he went on to serve as Tamil Nadu State Secretary and later as state president (2004–2007).
Elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore (1998 and 1999), he chaired the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles and represented India at the UN General Assembly and in parliamentary delegations to Taiwan. His 19,000 km “Ratha Yatra” across Tamil Nadu in 93 days, advocating river-linking and social causes, was widely noted. As Chairman of the Coir Board, he oversaw record exports, underscoring his administrative acumen.
Governor and National Leadership
In February 2023, Radhakrishnan was appointed Governor of Jharkhand, where he prioritized outreach by visiting all districts within months. He later held additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, before being sworn in as Maharashtra Governor in July 2024. Observers credited him with deftly handling diverse challenges across states, cementing his reputation as an effective administrator and consensus-builder.
Election as Vice President
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominated Radhakrishnan after Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation in July 2025. In a closely fought election, he secured 452 first-preference votes, defeating opposition candidate Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, backed by the INDIA bloc. His victory highlighted the NDA’s parliamentary strength and the BJP’s strategic outreach to southern India.
Leadership Style and Vision
Radhakrishnan is widely regarded as principled and approachable, with cordial relations across party divides. His elevation underscores both his personal credibility and the BJP’s broader effort to expand its presence in Tamil Nadu and the south. Colleagues note his commitment to democratic values, grassroots connection, and his ability to balance political, administrative, and cultural roles.
Personal Life
He is married to R. Sumathi and has two children. Beyond politics, he is active in sports and associated with Lions Clubs International, reflecting his continuing engagement in community service.
From his beginnings in Tamil Nadu’s local politics to his rise as India’s Vice President, C. P. Radhakrishnan’s journey reflects decades of dedication to public life, a reputation for honesty, and the ability to build consensus. His tenure is expected to uphold the dignity of the office while reinforcing India’s democratic traditions.
