C.P. Radhakrishnan is an Indian politician and statesman whose career spans grassroots organisational work in the Jan Sangh, two terms as a Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, several gubernatorial postings, and—most recently—elevation to the Vice-Presidency of India.
His journey from state-level politics in Tamil Nadu to the national stage is a study in persistence, party-building and public service.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan
- Stage Name: C. P. Radhakrishnan
- Born: May 4, 1957
- Age: 68 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Politician, Social Worker, Agriculturist, Industrialist
- Height: ~ 5′9″ (175 cm)
- Religion: Hinduism
- Parents: Father: C. K. Ponnusamy; Mother: K. Janaki
- Spouse: R. Sumathi (married 25 November 1985)
- Children: 1 son and 1 daughter
- Net Worth: ₹64.75 crore (as per recent estimate)
Early life and political beginnings
C.P. Radhakrishnan was born on May 4, 1957, in the Tiruppur/Coimbatore region of Tamil Nadu. He entered political life at a young age, joining the Jan Sangh (the predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party) and becoming part of its state executive in Tamil Nadu during the 1970s. This early alignment with the Jan Sangh and later with the BJP shaped his political philosophy and placed him among a small group of leaders dedicated to building the party’s presence in a state where regional parties dominated.
Rise in the BJP and parliamentary career
Radhakrishnan rose through party ranks over the decades and emerged as an important BJP leader in Tamil Nadu. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Coimbatore constituency in the 1998 and 1999 general elections, victories that came during a period of shifting alliances and intense regional politics in Tamil Nadu. During his time in Parliament he participated in legislative debates and represented India on international forums, including a noted appearance in a parliamentary delegation to the United Nations in 2003.
State leadership and party work
Beyond his parliamentary roles, Radhakrishnan served as the state president of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit (early 2000s). In that capacity he engaged in organisational drives across constituencies and led outreach initiatives to broaden the BJP’s footprint in a state long dominated by Dravidian parties. His tenure as state chief was marked by extensive travel, public rallies and an emphasis on building local party infrastructure.
Governorships and constitutional roles (2023–2025)
After decades in active politics, Radhakrishnan was appointed to constitutional positions beginning in 2023. He was appointed Governor of Jharkhand (taking office 18 February 2023), later holding additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry in 2024, and subsequently serving as Governor of Maharashtra (from July 2024). These gubernatorial appointments showcased the central leadership’s trust in his administrative temperament and constitutional stewardship.
Vice-Presidency and national leadership (2025)
In 2025 C.P. Radhakrishnan was selected by the National Democratic Alliance as its candidate for Vice-President. He won the vice-presidential election held on 9 September 2025 and was sworn in on 12 September 2025, becoming India’s 17th Vice-President and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In this role he presides over the Upper House of Parliament and plays a key part in maintaining parliamentary procedure and decorum. His arrival in the Vice-President’s office marked the culmination of decades of service at both party and constitutional levels.
Style, interests and personal life
Public accounts describe Radhakrishnan as disciplined and sport-inclined—he has practised long-distance running and enjoyed games like cricket and table tennis. He married R. Sumathi in November 1985; the couple have two children. Colleagues and observers often note his patient organisational style and a reputation for steady, behind-the-scenes work rather than flamboyant public theatrics.
Key achievements and contributions
- Twice-elected Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore (1998, 1999) at a time when BJP wins in Tamil Nadu were rare.
- Long-term organisational work to strengthen the BJP in Tamil Nadu, including a stint as state party president.
- Served as Governor of multiple states/territories — Jharkhand, Telangana (additional charge), Puducherry (additional charge), and Maharashtra — demonstrating administrative versatility.
- Elected Vice-President of India, presiding over the Rajya Sabha and taking on the responsibilities that accompany that constitutional office.
Controversies & challenges
Like many long-serving politicians, Radhakrishnan has faced electoral defeats (e.g., general election losses after 1999) and the complex challenge of expanding a national party’s presence in a state dominated by strong regional players. These setbacks did not end his career; rather, they prefaced his move into constitutional roles.
Legacy and outlook
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s career is illustrative of a political life that balances grassroots activism, legislative representation, organisational leadership, gubernatorial stewardship and, ultimately, the vice-presidency. His shift from active electoral contestation to gubernatorial and vice-presidential responsibilities reveals a trajectory where experience and institutional knowledge became as valuable as mass electoral appeal. Observers note that in his vice-presidential role he has emphasized civil service effectiveness, parliamentary decorum and national development themes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?
C.P. Radhakrishnan is an Indian politician who rose through the Jan Sangh and BJP ranks, served twice as a Lok Sabha MP for Coimbatore, held multiple gubernatorial posts, and became Vice-President of India in September 2025.
When was C.P. Radhakrishnan elected Vice-President?
He won the vice-presidential election on 9 September 2025 and was sworn in on 12 September 2025.
What roles did he serve before becoming Vice-President?
He was a two-time Lok Sabha MP (1998, 1999), state BJP president for Tamil Nadu, and later served as Governor of Jharkhand, with additional charges in Telangana and Puducherry, and as Governor of Maharashtra.
What is his background in public service?
Besides parliamentary work, he has been active in regional party organisation, governance as governor, and public speaking on national development and civil service roles.
Where can I read more about him?
Comprehensive profiles can be found on public encyclopedias and major Indian news outlets.
Conclusion
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s political life spans grassroots activism, legislative representation, organisational leadership, gubernatorial stewardship and, ultimately, the vice-presidency. His path underscores how long-term party work and administrative experience can transition into high constitutional office. For students of contemporary Indian politics, his career offers insights into party-building in regional strongholds, the role of governors in Indian federalism, and the responsibilities of the Vice-President as both national functionary and parliamentary chair.
