From RSS Cadre to Vice-Presidential Candidate: The Rise of C P Radhakrishnan

By Neetha Bopaiah | New Delhi Chronicle

In Indian politics, few journeys embody grassroots dedication and constitutional responsibility as powerfully as that of C P Radhakrishnan. From his early days as an RSS swayamsevak in Tamil Nadu to being a two-time parliamentarian, state BJP chief, Coir Board chairman, and Governor of multiple states, Radhakrishnan has steadily carved a reputation as a disciplined, principled, and approachable leader. Now, as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Vice-Presidential candidate for the 2025 elections, he stands on the threshold of assuming the second-highest constitutional office in India.

Political Career

Early Life & Ideological Foundation

Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan entered public life through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his teenage years. His political initiation came in 1974 when he joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to today’s BJP. Growing up in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s textile hub, he was deeply influenced by issues of social justice, small business entrepreneurship, and grassroots mobilization.

Rise within BJP Tamil Nadu

Radhakrishnan steadily rose through party ranks, becoming State Secretary of the BJP in 1996 and later Tamil Nadu BJP President (2004–2007). His leadership was marked by an emphasis on outreach, discipline, and ideological clarity.
One of his most notable initiatives was the Rath Yatra across Tamil Nadu, covering 19,000 km in 93 days. This yatra raised awareness on river interlinking, combating terrorism, the need for a uniform civil code, and social harmony. It remains one of the longest and most ambitious yatras undertaken by a BJP leader from the state, reflecting his organizational skills and mass connect.

Parliamentary Career & National Role

Radhakrishnan entered the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998, just months after the devastating Coimbatore bomb blasts. His electoral win was seen as a symbol of resilience and people’s faith in his leadership. He was re-elected in 1999 and served on multiple parliamentary committees including Finance, Textiles, and Public Sector Undertakings.

Internationally, he represented India at the 58th UN General Assembly in 2003 and was part of India’s first parliamentary delegation to Taiwan, strengthening India’s global outreach.

Despite electoral setbacks post-2004, Radhakrishnan remained a constant presence in Tamil Nadu politics—loyal, committed, and respected across party lines.

Administrative & Gubernatorial Leadership

Beyond parliament, Radhakrishnan excelled in administrative leadership:
• Coir Board Chairman (2016–2020): Oversaw a record surge in coir exports, modernized the sector, and created employment opportunities in rural areas.
• BJP Kerala In-Charge (2020–2022): Strengthened the party’s grassroots organization in the state.
• Governor of Jharkhand (2023): His tenure was marked by consensus-building and accessibility. He also held additional charges of Telangana and Puducherry.
• Governor of Maharashtra (2024): Oversaw sensitive political developments in the state, earning praise for his balanced and neutral approach.

Personal Life & Background

Away from politics, Radhakrishnan is equally known for his simplicity and grounded nature.
• Education & Profession: He earned a BBA degree from VOC College under Madurai University in 1978. Before entering full-time politics, he worked as a textile entrepreneur, exporting cotton fabrics to international markets such as Bangladesh, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Family: He is married to R. Sumathi and the couple has two children.
• Lifestyle & Hobbies: A fitness enthusiast, he was a college table tennis champion, long-distance runner, and active sportsman in cricket and volleyball.
• Community Roots: He hails from the Goundar (Kongu Vellala) community, making him only the second OBC leader to be considered for the Vice-Presidency, and the first from South India.

Contributions & Recognition
• Widely admired for his clean, controversy-free image.
• Credited with bridging BJP’s ideological identity with Tamil Nadu’s cultural and social ethos.
• As Coir Board chairman, left behind a legacy of modernization and rural empowerment.
• As Governor, was respected for non-partisan conduct—an attribute crucial for the Vice-Presidential office.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly praised him as a leader with humility, intellect, and grassroots dedication.

NDA Nomination & Significance

On August 17, 2025, the BJP announced C P Radhakrishnan as its Vice-Presidential nominee, positioning him as a consensus builder and seasoned leader who can navigate India’s complex political landscape. His nomination reflects the NDA’s strategy of recognizing loyal, long-serving leaders who bring both ideological grounding and administrative experience.

Radhakrishnan, expressing gratitude, said he would serve the nation “till his last breath,” underlining his lifelong commitment to public life.

Conclusion

C P Radhakrishnan’s journey from the narrow lanes of Tiruppur to the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan encapsulates the story of a leader shaped by grassroots values, national service, and constitutional responsibility. If elected, he would not only bring decades of parliamentary and administrative experience to the Vice-Presidential chair but also symbolize the NDA’s effort to balance regional representation, social justice, and seasoned leadership.

For India, his elevation signals the continued rise of leaders who embody simplicity, discipline, and dedication to nation-building—values at the very heart of Indian democracy.