New Delhi, September 12, 2025 : Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India, succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had resigned unexpectedly in July. Known for his soft-spoken demeanor and non-confrontational approach, Radhakrishnan brings decades of political and administrative experience, having served as governor of multiple states and as a two-term Lok Sabha MP.
Radhakrishnan’s election marks a significant moment as he becomes the first OBC leader from South India to hold the vice-presidential office. A staunch member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and a long-time BJP leader, his political career has been deeply rooted in grassroots organizational work, rising through the ranks of the Jan Sangh and the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
Election Victory and Ideological Positioning
Radhakrishnan won the vice-presidential election by securing 452 votes, defeating the opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, who garnered 300 votes. On his first public statement, he termed the victory a triumph of the nationalistic ideology and stressed the need for a united focus on development rather than political divisions.
“This is a victory for every Indian. If we aim to build a developed India by 2047, politics must not interfere in the development agenda,” he stated.
His candidature was seen as a strategic choice by the BJP-led NDA to project inclusivity and consolidate support from the OBC community in Tamil Nadu while disarming the opposition from key political narratives.
Political and Administrative Journey
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. His political journey began as an RSS swayamsevak at age 16 and progressed through active participation in student politics. He became a state executive committee member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974.
In his political career, Radhakrishnan served as:
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BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary (1996)
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State President (2003–2006)
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Two-term Member of Parliament from Coimbatore during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure.
He also undertook a notable 19,000-km Rath Yatra over 93 days, spreading the party’s message across Tamil Nadu.
In recent years, he served as:
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Governor of Jharkhand (2023–2024)
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Governor of Maharashtra (from July 31, 2024)
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Also held gubernatorial assignments in Telangana and Puducherry.
His tenure as governor was marked by efforts to address common citizens’ challenges and focus on administrative efficiency.
Personal Background and Recognition
Radhakrishnan is widely respected across party lines in Tamil Nadu for his clean image and pragmatic approach. An avid sportsman, he excelled in table tennis and long-distance running during his college days, and enjoys cricket and volleyball.
His mother, Janaki Ammal, recounted a poignant moment during the election, explaining that he was named after Dr. S Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President and second President of India, symbolizing a long-standing aspiration to serve the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while endorsing Radhakrishnan’s nomination, praised his incisive parliamentary interventions and administrative capabilities, expressing confidence that he would serve as an inspiring Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Challenges Ahead
As Vice President and ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan is expected to leverage his legislative and constitutional knowledge, emphasizing stability, consensus-building, and non-partisan leadership at a time when parliamentary debates are highly polarized.
His tenure is seen as an opportunity to bring greater decorum, focus on governance, and bridge ideological divides while working towards India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
