CP Radhakrishnan Elected as India’s New Vice President: Who Is CP Radhakrishnan?

With the election of CP Radhakrishnan as Vice President, the NDA has further strengthened its hold over key constitutional offices.

Currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, Radhakrishnan secured a decisive victory in the vice-presidential polls, ensuring a significant win for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The results were declared on Tuesday, marking yet another political achievement for the ruling coalition. The success came after weeks of careful planning and coordination, with the BJP's parliamentary board-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah-directing the campaign strategy.

With CP Radhakrishnan's elevation to the post of Vice President, the NDA has further consolidated its influence across key constitutional positions.

Who Is CP Radhakrishnan?

Currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, Radhakrishnan took oath on July 31, 2024. Prior to his tenure in Mumbai, he served as Governor of Jharkhand for nearly one and a half years, according to the Maharashtra Raj Bhavan website.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Radhakrishnan's long record of public service, noting that he has consistently focused on empowering the marginalised and has "distinguished himself with dedication, humility, and intellect." The Prime Minister also highlighted his extensive work in Tamil Nadu and expressed satisfaction that the NDA had chosen him as its vice-presidential candidate.

Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. A long-time associate of the RSS, he served as a State Executive Committee member of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh in 1974. He belongs to the influential Gounder community, an OBC group in Tamil Nadu.

Radhakrishnan has also held prominent roles within the BJP, serving as the party's Tamil Nadu state president from 2004 to 2007. Additionally, he has represented the people in the Lok Sabha twice, giving him parliamentary experience alongside his organisational leadership.

Beyond politics, his profile on the Maharashtra Raj Bhavan website highlights a strong interest in sports. He was a college table tennis champion, a long-distance runner, and continues to enjoy cricket and volleyball.

With his election, Radhakrishnan now steps into one of the country's highest constitutional offices, marking another milestone in a career that has spanned grassroots activism, state leadership, and national politics.