A Sudden Vacancy at the Top
The office of the Vice-President of India, the second-highest constitutional post in the country, fell vacant unexpectedly on July 21. Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had assumed the role in 2022, resigned citing health-related concerns on the very first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. His exit before completing his term left a crucial position open, compelling the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to search for a suitable successor. The Election Commission has scheduled the Vice-Presidential poll for September 9, with results to be declared the same day. Against this backdrop, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda announced the alliance’s candidate—Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy (CP) Radhakrishnan—after deliberations with senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Political Journey Rooted in Tamil Nadu
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, CP Radhakrishnan has been a familiar name in Indian politics for over four decades. A graduate in Business Administration, he entered public life at 16 by joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a Swayamsevak. His rise through the ranks was steady: by 1974, he was a state executive member of the Bharatiya Janasangh, the BJP’s predecessor.
His electoral breakthrough came in 1998 when he won from Coimbatore on a BJP ticket. He retained the seat in 1999, becoming one of the party’s key faces in Tamil Nadu. Between 2004 and 2007, as the state BJP president, Radhakrishnan spearheaded a 19,000 km ‘Ratha Yatra’ spanning 93 days. The campaign spotlighted national issues such as river-linking projects, combating terrorism, implementing a uniform civil code, and tackling social evils like untouchability and drug abuse.
National and International Engagements
Radhakrishnan’s political responsibilities extended beyond Tamil Nadu. He served as BJP’s all-India in-charge for Kerala from 2020 to 2022 and represented India in several international forums. In 2004, he was part of the parliamentary delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and later joined the first parliamentary mission to Taiwan. His appointment as chairman of the Coir Board in Kochi in 2016 further underscored his engagement with grassroots industries.
His gubernatorial assignments also reflected the Centre’s trust in him. Before assuming charge as Maharashtra Governor in July 2024, he had served as Jharkhand’s Governor for a year and a half. During that tenure, he also held additional responsibilities for Telangana and Puducherry. These stints have given him administrative experience across diverse regions of the country.
Personal Interests and Wider Recognition
Beyond politics, Radhakrishnan has a multifaceted personality. A sports enthusiast, he excelled in table tennis during his college years and was also active in cricket, volleyball, and athletics. His interest in long-distance running symbolises the perseverance that has marked his career. His extensive travels across Europe, Asia, and the Americas have broadened his worldview, enriching his political and cultural perspectives.
His family, too, takes pride in his rise. His mother, Janaki Ammal, recently revealed the inspiration behind his name. She recalled naming her son after philosopher-president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, hoping he would embody similar values. For her, his nomination is a dream fulfilled.
Expectations from the Candidate
The NDA’s decision to field Radhakrishnan is viewed through both symbolic and strategic lenses. His clean reputation and longstanding association with the RSS and BJP leadership make him a trusted choice. Importantly, his deep roots in Tamil Nadu and prior role in Kerala could help the party strengthen its base in southern India—an area where the BJP is keen to expand ahead of upcoming state elections.
As Vice-President, Radhakrishnan would also preside over the Rajya Sabha. His calm demeanour and extensive parliamentary experience are expected to help in managing debates, especially at a time when the opposition is becoming increasingly assertive. For the ruling alliance, his nomination is also the first significant political test in its third term, with opposition parties set to field their own candidate.
A Test of Trust and Leadership
The Vice-Presidential election, though traditionally less contentious than the presidential poll, comes at a politically sensitive moment. CP Radhakrishnan embodies a blend of grassroots activism, administrative competence, and loyalty to the party’s ideological core. His selection reflects the NDA’s confidence in his ability to navigate parliamentary responsibilities while symbolising outreach to southern India. Whether his elevation strengthens the government’s hand in the Upper House and reshapes political dynamics will be watched closely, but for now, his candidacy signals continuity, experience, and stability at a critical juncture in national politics.
(With agency inputs)
