NDA's CP Radhakrishnan Wins VP Elections: Know Lesser Known Facts About Vice President

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was elected on Tuesday as the 15th Vice President of India.

The NDA candidate bagged 452 votes, while the opposition candidate polled 300 votes. The vote tally indicated some cross-voting in favour of Radhakrishnan.

He will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned as vice president on July 21, taking everyone by surprise. He is the third leader from Tamil Nadu to occupy the coveted post.

Here are some lesser-known facts about C P Radhakrishnan:

RSS Member At 16
At the age of 16, Radhakrishnan joined the RSS and later became a member of the Janata Party's state executive committee in 1974. He transitioned to the BJP in 1980, where he became an aide to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, reflecting his long-standing commitment to the party's ideology and leadership.

Entrepreneurial Ventures
Before his full-fledged political career, Radhakrishnan ventured into business by manufacturing and selling undergarments under the brand name "SPICE." This entrepreneurial experience provided him with a practical understanding of the business landscape.

Athletic Achievements
During his college years, Radhakrishnan was an accomplished athlete, excelling in table tennis and long-distance running. He also participated in cricket and volleyball, showcasing his versatility and team spirit.

Extensive Travel Experience
Radhakrishnan's exposure to global cultures is noteworthy. He has traveled extensively across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, visiting countries such as the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Egypt, the UAE, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Japan.

Commitment to Social Causes
In 2004, during his tenure as the BJP's Tamil Nadu State President, Radhakrishnan led a 19,000 km-long 'Ratha Yatra' over 93 days. This initiative aimed to raise awareness on various issues, including interlinking India's rivers, eradicating terrorism, implementing a uniform civil code, abolishing untouchability, and combating drug abuse.

Failed To Become Minister Over Confusion
A two-term member of the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore during the tenure of prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Radhakrishnan came close to becoming a Union minister, but had to lose out to fellow Tamilan Pon Radhakrishnan in 1998 after some confusion over his name by the then floor managers of the BJP. A member of the socially dominant and economically prosperous Kongu Vellalar Gounder community, he became the secretary of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit in 1996 and served as the party's state unit president between 2003 and 2006.

These facets of Radhakrishnan's life highlight his multifaceted personality, blending political acumen with entrepreneurial spirit, athletic prowess, global perspective, and a deep commitment to social causes.