Rooted in RSS ideology, NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan known to be affable

By Admin

18 Aug, 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has named Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, popularly known as CP Radhakrishnan, as its nominee for the upcoming vice-presidential elections. His candidature, finalised after consultations with alliance partners and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), reflects both the party’s ideological roots and its political strategy in strengthening its presence in the southern states.

A Life Rooted in RSS Values

At 68, Radhakrishnan brings decades of experience in public life, deeply influenced by the RSS ideology. Having started as an RSS swayamsevak, he entered politics early and rose to prominence as a member of the Bharatiya Janasangh’s state executive committee in 1974. Known for his affability and conflict-free style of leadership, he was later entrusted with heading the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit in 2004.

Political Journey and Achievements

Radhakrishnan is the only BJP leader from Tamil Nadu to have been elected twice to the Lok Sabha, winning in 1998 and 1999. Currently serving as the governor of Maharashtra since July 31, 2024, he has also held the position of governor of Jharkhand between February 2023 and July 2024. While he did have some disagreements with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government, his tenure was marked as less combative compared to other BJP governors in opposition-ruled states.

Party colleagues describe him as a pragmatic, straightforward, and clean leader who enjoys goodwill across political lines. His calm demeanor and ability to connect with people earned him the nickname “Vajpayee of Coimbatore,” a nod to his conciliatory style of politics.

Personal Life and Early Background

Born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, into the OBC Goundar-Kongu Vellalar community, Radhakrishnan holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. A table tennis player and long-distance runner, he is regarded as someone with simple habits and a disciplined lifestyle. Following his nomination, he visited the famous Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai to seek blessings, underscoring his spiritual inclination.

Strategic Importance of His Nomination

Radhakrishnan’s nomination is seen as the BJP’s attempt to expand its political footprint in Tamil Nadu, where assembly elections are due in 2026. His grassroots RSS background, parliamentary experience, and cordial ties across party lines are expected to aid him in steering the Rajya Sabha as its chairman.

Within the NDA, the numbers are stacked in his favour. The alliance commands 132 seats in the 240-member Upper House, ensuring a comfortable victory. However, the BJP also expects support from parties outside the opposition’s INDIA bloc, signaling broader acceptability of his candidature.

Looking Ahead

For the BJP and NDA, CP Radhakrishnan’s selection represents both a nod to ideological continuity and a calculated political move to engage southern India. His soft-spoken nature, administrative experience, and cross-party goodwill make him an “excellent choice,” as party leaders put it, to take on the crucial role of India’s vice president.