New Delhi: Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, a veteran leader with deep roots in the RSS and BJP, was on Tuesday elected as the 15th Vice President of India, securing 452 votes. He becomes the third leader from Tamil Nadu to assume the prestigious constitutional post.

Known for his soft-spoken and non-confrontational style, the 67-year-old Radhakrishnan succeeds Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned as vice president on July 21, taking many by surprise. Well-wishers describe him as a 'Pachai Tamizhan' (true-blue Tamil). At the time of his nomination by the BJP-led NDA, Radhakrishnan was serving as the Governor of Maharashtra.

Radhakrishnan’s political career spans decades. A two-term Lok Sabha member from Coimbatore during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure as prime minister, he narrowly missed a Union ministerial position in 1998 due to confusion over his name, losing out to fellow Tamil leader Pon Radhakrishnan.

His association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) began in his teenage years, and he gradually rose through its ranks before making his mark in the BJP. A member of the socially and economically influential Kongu Vellalar Gounder community, Radhakrishnan became the BJP Tamil Nadu secretary in 1996 and served as the state unit president from 2003 to 2006.

Radhakrishnan brings extensive political and administrative experience, which is expected to aid him in his dual role as vice president and ex officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. His tenure as governor in multiple states—including Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Puducherry—earned him respect across party lines.

An avid sportsperson, Radhakrishnan was a college champion in table tennis and a long-distance runner. He also enjoys cricket and volleyball. His untainted reputation and wide-ranging experience have been highlighted as assets for the vice president’s office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following Radhakrishnan’s nomination by the NDA, said, "Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states. His Parliamentary interventions were always incisive. During his gubernatorial tenures, he focused on addressing challenges faced by common citizens. These experiences ensured that he has vast knowledge of legislative and Constitutional matters. I am confident he will be an inspiring Vice President."

Radhakrishnan’s candidature also carries political significance. As the first OBC leader from South India to be named for the vice president’s office, it helps neutralise a key Opposition narrative. The NDA’s official profile emphasises him as a knowledgeable, eminent, and legally untainted leader.

Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He entered student politics through the RSS and Jan Sangh, using political platforms to serve the public.

Between 2004 and 2007, as Tamil Nadu BJP president, he led a 19,000-km 'Rath Yatra' spanning 93 days. The campaign highlighted issues including the linking of all Indian rivers, eradicating terrorism, implementing a uniform civil code, removing untouchability, and combating narcotic drugs—central themes of the BJP and RSS agenda.

Radhakrishnan was sworn in as Maharashtra governor on July 31, 2024, after nearly 18 months as governor of Jharkhand. His decades-long record of electoral, organisational, and constitutional responsibilities positions him to make history as India’s 15th vice president.

(With inputs from PTI)