NDA’s VP Pick: Tamil Nadu’s Political Titan
Radhakrishnan’s Experience Makes Him NDA’s Vice Presidential Favorite.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has named Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice President of India, banking on his extensive political and administrative experience. At 67, Radhakrishnan, often dubbed the “Modi of Tamil Nadu” by supporters, brings a formidable resume rooted in decades of service with the RSS, Jan Sangh, and BJP, making him a strong contender for the role of Vice President and ex officio Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Radhakrishnan’s political journey began at 16 as an RSS swayamsevak, evolving into a key figure in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. He first won the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat in 1998 with a commanding margin of over 1.5 lakh votes and secured re-election in 1999. Despite facing electoral setbacks in subsequent years, his cross-party respect in Tamil Nadu led to gubernatorial roles in Jharkhand, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Puducherry. His recent stint as Maharashtra Governor, starting July 31, 2024, followed a nearly 18-month tenure in Jharkhand, with additional responsibilities in Telangana and Puducherry.
The NDA highlights Radhakrishnan’s unblemished record and deep knowledge, positioning him as a historic choice as the first OBC leader from South India nominated for Vice President. His early involvement with the Jan Sangh, including a role as a state executive committee member in 1974, and his rise to Tamil Nadu BJP president from 2004 to 2007 underscore his organizational prowess. A notable 19,000 km ‘Rath Yatra’ in 2004 championed causes like river-linking, eradicating terrorism, and a uniform civil code—key BJP and RSS priorities.
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Radhakrishnan’s administrative acumen shone during his parliamentary tenure, where he chaired committees, including one probing a stock market scam. His recent visits to Tamil Nadu, including a meeting with Chief Minister M K Stalin, signal his continued influence ahead of the state’s 2026 assembly elections. As BJP’s all-India in-charge for Kerala from 2020 to 2022, he also played a pivotal role in forging a new alliance in Tamil Nadu in 2004 after the DMK parted ways with the NDA.
A Bachelor’s degree holder in business administration, born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Radhakrishnan is also an avid sportsperson, excelling in table tennis, long-distance running, cricket, and volleyball. With the vice-presidential election set for September 9, following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, and nominations closing on August 21, Radhakrishnan’s candidacy is poised to strengthen the NDA’s vision for a robust democratic future.
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