NDA’s C P Radhakrishnan Elected as India’s 15th Vice President

C P Radhakrishnan has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India, securing a total of 452 votes in the election held on Tuesday. The opposition candidate, B Sudershan Reddy, received 300 votes. According to the returning officer, PC Mody, a total of 767 votes were cast in the poll, with 752 valid and 15 invalid.

Radhakrishnan’s election marks a significant moment in Indian politics as he becomes the third leader from Tamil Nadu to hold this prestigious position. The 67-year-old politician succeeds Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned unexpectedly from the vice presidency on July 21, 2024. Before his nomination by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Radhakrishnan served as the Governor of Maharashtra.

Political Journey and Background

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan’s political career began in his teenage years when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He rose through the ranks, garnering recognition within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at both state and national levels. Radhakrishnan served as a two-term Member of Parliament from Coimbatore during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In 1998, he narrowly missed an opportunity to become a Union Minister due to a mix-up regarding his name, which led to the appointment being given to fellow Tamil politician Pon Radhakrishnan.

Radhakrishnan has held various leadership roles within the BJP, including serving as the party’s state president in Tamil Nadu from 2003 to 2006. His political roots are embedded in the RSS and the Jan Sangh, and he has viewed politics as a platform to serve the people. Belonging to the socially dominant and economically prosperous Kongu Vellalar Gounder community, his extensive experience is expected to bring depth and balance to his new responsibilities.

Expectations and Future Role

As Vice President, Radhakrishnan will also serve as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His official profile shared by the NDA describes him as a leader who is esteemed, knowledgeable, and free from legal controversies. With a career spanning electoral, organizational, and constitutional responsibilities, Radhakrishnan is positioned to make a significant impact in his new role.

He was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024, following his tenure as the Governor of Jharkhand for nearly one and a half years. As he takes on the role of Vice President, his political acumen and leadership experience will be crucial in navigating the complexities of Indian governance. Radhakrishnan’s election signifies not only a personal achievement but also reflects the evolving political landscape of the country.