Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded NDA's Vice-Presidential nominee, CP Radhakrishnan, for his dedication to public service and simple lifestyle. At a recent NDA parliamentary party meeting, Modi introduced Radhakrishnan to the Members of Parliament, emphasizing his integrity and long-standing association with him. Modi fondly recalled their nearly four-decade-long connection, dating back to when they were both members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
During the meeting, Modi conveyed that Radhakrishnan is "interested in sports, but doesn't play games in politics". This highlighted Radhakrishnan's character as someone who is straightforward and dedicated to serving the people rather than engaging in political maneuvering. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju echoed this sentiment, describing Radhakrishnan as a person with "no controversy, no corruption, no stain," who has lived a simple life dedicated to society and the country.
CP Radhakrishnan, currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, has had a long and varied political career. Born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, on October 20, 1957, he began his political journey early, joining the RSS and later the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Radhakrishnan's political career includes serving as the BJP's Tamil Nadu state secretary in 1996 and later as the state president from 2004 to 2007. During his tenure as state president, he undertook a 19,000 km Ratha Yatra across 93 days, advocating for critical issues such as interlinking rivers, combating terrorism, enforcing a Uniform Civil Code, fighting untouchability, and curbing narcotic drugs. He also undertook multiple Padayatras for social causes.
He was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999. During his parliamentary tenure, he served on several important committees, including the Commerce, PSUs, and Finance committees. He also represented India at the UN General Assembly.
Radhakrishnan has held several administrative positions, including Chairman of the Coir Board from 2016 to 2020 and All-India BJP in charge of Kerala from 2020 to 2022. In February 2023, he was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand, and in July 2024, he became the Governor of Maharashtra. He also held additional charge as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Beyond politics, Radhakrishnan has a keen interest in sports. He was a college champion in table tennis and excelled as a long-distance runner; he also enjoys cricket and volleyball.
Prime Minister Modi has appealed to all parties, including the opposition, to support Radhakrishnan's candidacy for Vice President. Rajnath Singh is also in discussions with leaders across party lines to garner unanimous support. With the NDA holding a comfortable majority in the electoral college, Radhakrishnan's election is highly likely. He is expected to file his nomination on August 20, 2025.
