The Journey of C. P. Radhakrishnan: Politics, Public Life, and Governance
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, the first OBC leader from South India for the office of Vice President.
By Dr. Kumar Rakesh
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, NDA’s Vice Presidential pick, is set to make history as the first OBC leader from South India to become the Vice President of India. A seasoned politician, administrator, and grassroots leader, he has consistently used politics as a medium to serve society, uphold national unity, and champion social reform. His decades-long career, marked by electoral, organisational, and constitutional roles, reflects a rare blend of experience and integrity.
Early Life and Education
- Born: October 20, 1957, Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu
- Profession: Agriculturist and industrialist
- Education: BBA from V.O.C. College, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu
- Reputation: Eminent, knowledgeable, and untainted by any legal accusations
Political Journey
Radhakrishnan’s association with public life began early. At the age of 16, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and entered active politics through the Jan Sangh in 1974. Over four decades, he has risen from student activism to holding some of the country’s highest constitutional offices.
- 1974 – State Executive Committee Member, Bharatiya Jan Sangh
- 1996 – Secretary, BJP Tamil Nadu
- 1998 – Elected MP from Coimbatore with a thumping margin of 1.5 lakh votes
- 1999 – Re-elected MP from Coimbatore constituency
- 2004 – Member, Parliamentary Delegation to the United Nations
- 2004–2007 – State President, BJP Tamil Nadu
- 2014 – Member of the first Parliamentary Delegation to Taiwan
- 2016–2020 – Chairman, All India Coir Board (took India’s coir exports to a record ₹2,532 crore)
- 2020–2022 – BJP State Incharge (Prabhari), Kerala
- 2023–2024 – Governor of Jharkhand (visited all 24 districts within four months to engage directly with citizens)
- 2024 – Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry
- 2024–Present – Governor of Maharashtra
- 2025 – NDA’s Vice Presidential Candidate
Leadership and Contributions
- Grassroots Governance: As Governor of Jharkhand, Radhakrishnan’s extensive tours across the state helped him directly connect with citizens and officials, strengthening governance at the district level.
- Public Health: He has contributed significantly to campaigns for tuberculosis eradication in Jharkhand, Puducherry, and Maharashtra.
- Economic Development: His tenure as Coir Board Chairman transformed India’s coir industry, giving it global recognition and boosting exports to historic highs.
- Social Reform: He has consistently championed issues of national integration, upliftment of the marginalised, and development-focused governance.
Legacy and Vision
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s journey from student politics to the threshold of the Vice Presidency exemplifies dedication, service, and integrity. Known for his humility and hands-on approach, he remains committed to using constitutional office as a platform for strengthening democratic values, empowering marginalised communities, and driving national progress.
At 67, with over four decades of experience, he is poised to bring his wisdom and administrative acumen to the Rajya Sabha as its new Chairman, should he be elected Vice President.
