C. P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned politician, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) veteran, and former Governor of Maharashtra, was elected as the 15th Vice President of India on September 9, 2025, securing a decisive victory with 452 votes against opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy’s 300. This comprehensive guide covers every facet of Radhakrishnan’s life, from his early days in Tamil Nadu to his ascent to one of India’s highest constitutional offices. Whether you’re curious about his net worth, car collection, political achievements, or the controversies surrounding him, this article is your ultimate resource for all things C. P. Radhakrishnan, optimized to rank highly on Google Search, Google Discover, and Google News.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan hails from the Kongu Vellalar Gounder community, a prominent Other Backward Class (OBC) group in Tamil Nadu’s western region, known as the “knitwear capital of India.” His parents, C. K. Ponnusamy and K. Janaki, instilled in him values of discipline and service. Radhakrishnan’s early life was shaped by his modest upbringing in a region known for its entrepreneurial spirit and textile industry.
He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from V. O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, equipping him with skills that later proved invaluable in his political and administrative roles. As a youth, Radhakrishnan was an accomplished athlete, excelling as a college champion in table tennis and a long-distance runner. His love for sports continues, with interests in cricket and volleyball, reflecting his well-rounded personality. At age 16, he joined the RSS, laying the foundation for his ideological commitment to nationalism and public service [Wikipedia, Britannica].
Political Career: A Journey of Dedication
RSS and Jan Sangh Roots
Radhakrishnan’s political journey began in 1973 when he joined the RSS at age 16. By 1974, he was elected to the Bharatiya Jan Sangh’s State Executive Committee, marking his entry into politics. When the Jan Sangh merged with other parties to form the Janata Party in 1977, Radhakrishnan participated in a countrywide rally led by Chandra Shekhar in 1983. Following the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, he became a founding member and an aide to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, cementing his role in the party’s early growth [Wikipedia, India TV].
Lok Sabha Tenure
Radhakrishnan’s electoral success came in 1998 when he won the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat, defeating DMK’s M. Ramanathan by over 1.5 lakh votes in the wake of the Coimbatore bombings, which boosted BJP’s popularity. He retained the seat in 1999 with a margin of 55,000 votes. As an MP, he served as:
- Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles, leveraging Coimbatore’s textile hub status.
- Member of the Parliamentary Committee for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the Consultative Committee for Finance.
- Member of the Parliamentary Special Committee investigating the 2001 Parliament attack [LiveMint, Indian Express].
Leadership in Tamil Nadu BJP
From 2004 to 2007, Radhakrishnan served as President of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit. His tenure was marked by a historic 93-day, 19,000-km Rath Yatra across Tamil Nadu, addressing issues like:
- Linking Indian rivers for water security.
- Combating untouchability and promoting social reform.
- Fighting terrorism and drug abuse. This campaign, along with two subsequent padayatras, solidified his reputation as a grassroots leader. He also restored the NDA’s alliance with the DMK in 2004 after its fallout, showcasing his diplomatic skills [India TV, Oneindia].
Gubernatorial Roles
Radhakrishnan’s administrative acumen shone through in his gubernatorial appointments:
- Governor of Jharkhand (February 18, 2023 – July 30, 2024): Focused on tribal welfare and development.
- Governor of Maharashtra (July 31, 2024 – September 2025): Known for his accessible and people-centric approach.
- Additional Charge of Telangana and Puducherry (March 20, 2024 – August 6, 2024): Managed multiple responsibilities with efficiency [Wikipedia, News18].
As Chairman of the All India Coir Board (2016–2020), he drove record exports of ₹2,732 crore (approximately $325 million in 2025), elevating India’s coir industry globally. From 2020 to 2022, he served as the BJP Prabhari for Kerala, working to expand the party’s presence in a challenging state [Britannica, India TV].
Vice Presidential Election 2025: A Historic Win
On September 9, 2025, C. P. Radhakrishnan was elected India’s 15th Vice President, defeating B. Sudershan Reddy (INDIA bloc) by a margin of 152 votes. The election followed the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, due to health reasons. Conducted by Returning Officer P. C. Mody (Rajya Sabha Secretary General), the election saw:
- Total Votes: 767 cast, 752 valid, 15 invalid.
- Radhakrishnan’s Tally: 452 first-preference votes.
- Reddy’s Tally: 300 votes.
- Abstentions: 14 MPs, including those from BJD, BRS, SAD, and one independent, abstained [News18, Times Now].
The NDA, with an estimated 427 MPs, gained an additional 25 votes, suggesting cross-voting from the opposition. Congress claimed a 100% turnout of its 315 MPs, yet Reddy’s shortfall fueled speculation of internal dissent [News18]. Radhakrishnan is set to take the oath on September 12, 2025, and will serve as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha [LiveMint].
Strategic Importance
Radhakrishnan’s election is a masterstroke by the BJP-led NDA:
- South Indian Representation: As the third Tamil Nadu leader to become Vice President, he strengthens BJP’s outreach in South India ahead of Tamil Nadu and Kerala elections [Onmanorama].
- OBC Empowerment: As the first OBC leader from South India in this role, he aligns with BJP’s social inclusivity agenda [Oneindia].
- Non-Confrontational Leadership: His soft-spoken demeanor contrasts with Dhankhar’s confrontational style, promising smoother Rajya Sabha proceedings [Indian Express, The Week].
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Radhakrishnan’s “dedication, humility, and intellect,” while President Droupadi Murmu highlighted his grassroots leadership and administrative expertise [Times Now, Oneindia].
Net Worth and Financial Profile
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s net worth is estimated based on his election affidavits and public service earnings:
- Real Estate: Owns residential and agricultural properties in Tiruppur and Coimbatore, valued at approximately ₹5–7 crore in his 2014 Lok Sabha affidavit.
- Investments: Includes mutual funds, fixed deposits, and savings.
- Income Sources: Salaries from gubernatorial roles (₹3.5 lakh/month as Maharashtra Governor), pensions as a former MP, and investment returns.
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₹10–15 crore, though exact figures await updated disclosures [The Hindu BusinessLine, Maharashtra Raj Bhavan].
His modest lifestyle reflects a focus on public service over wealth accumulation, aligning with his RSS-rooted values.
Car Collection
Radhakrishnan’s car collection is modest, consistent with his grounded persona:
- Personal Vehicles (per 2014 affidavit): Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Verna, suited for Tamil Nadu’s roads.
- Official Vehicles: As Governor, he used Toyota Innova Crysta and Mahindra Scorpio. As Vice President, he is entitled to ceremonial vehicles like BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
- Current Status: No recent reports confirm new personal vehicles, emphasizing his preference for practicality [The Hindu BusinessLine].
Achievements and Contributions
Radhakrishnan’s career is studded with notable achievements:
- Textile Industry Reforms: As MP, he drove policies to boost Coimbatore’s textile sector, a key economic driver.
- Coir Board Success: Achieved record exports of ₹2,732 crore as Chairman (2016–2020) [Britannica].
- Grassroots Campaigns: Led a 93-day Rath Yatra and two padayatras, addressing river-linking, social reform, and anti-terrorism [India TV].
- Gubernatorial Impact: Promoted tribal welfare in Jharkhand and inclusive governance in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Puducherry [Onmanorama].
- Vice Presidential Victory: Secured 452 votes in 2025, reinforcing NDA’s dominance [News18].
- Kerala BJP Expansion: As Prabhari (2020–2022), strengthened BJP’s presence in a Dravidian-dominated state [India TV].
Controversies and Rumors
Radhakrishnan has maintained a relatively clean image, but a few incidents stand out:
- 2023 Udhayanidhi Stalin Controversy: As Jharkhand Governor, he sharply criticized Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s call to “annihilate Sanatan Dharma,” warning that such remarks would lead to self-destruction. The exchange drew polarized reactions but no legal repercussions [Indian Express].
- Cross-Voting Speculation (2025): Allegations of opposition MPs voting for Radhakrishnan surfaced, with 15 votes unaccounted for. No evidence implicates him directly [News18].
- Tamil Nadu BJP Challenges: Critics labeled his 2004–2007 presidency as ineffective due to BJP’s limited growth in Tamil Nadu, though his campaigns countered this narrative [The Week].
Disclaimer on Rumors: Unverified claims, such as cross-voting allegations, are based on media reports and not confirmed. Readers should verify such information independently.
Personal Life and Interests
Radhakrishnan, now 67, is married to R. Sumathi (since 1985) and has two children. He maintains a low-profile personal life, focusing on public service. His hobbies include cricket, volleyball, and staying connected to his Kongu Vellalar roots. Colleagues describe him as soft-spoken, pragmatic, and ideologically rooted in RSS values, yet approachable across political divides [Indian Express, News18].
Why C. P. Radhakrishnan’s Election Matters
Radhakrishnan’s Vice Presidency is a pivotal moment:
- South Indian Voice: Strengthens BJP’s appeal in Tamil Nadu and Kerala [Onmanorama].
- OBC Representation: First South Indian OBC Vice President, enhancing social inclusivity [Oneindia].
- Rajya Sabha Leadership: His non-confrontational style is expected to foster constructive parliamentary dialogue [The Hindu].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About C. P. Radhakrishnan
Q :- Who is C. P. Radhakrishnan?
Ans :- C. P. Radhakrishnan is India’s 15th Vice President, elected on September 9, 2025. A BJP leader and RSS veteran, he previously served as Governor of Maharashtra (2024–2025), Jharkhand (2023–2024), and held additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry. He was a two-term MP from Coimbatore and Tamil Nadu BJP President [Wikipedia, News18].
Q :- What is C. P. Radhakrishnan’s net worth in 2025?
Ans :- His net worth is estimated at ₹10–15 crore, based on his 2014 affidavit (₹5–7 crore in properties and investments) and earnings as a governor and former MP. Exact figures await updated disclosures [The Hindu BusinessLine].
Q :- What cars does C. P. Radhakrishnan own?
Ans :- His personal vehicles include a Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Verna (per 2014 affidavit). As Vice President, he uses official vehicles like BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class [The Hindu BusinessLine].
Q :- What are C. P. Radhakrishnan’s major achievements?
Ans :- Key achievements include record coir exports (₹2,732 crore) as Coir Board Chairman, a 93-day Rath Yatra for social reform, and his 2025 Vice Presidential win with 452 votes [Britannica, News18].
Q :- What controversies has C. P. Radhakrishnan faced?
Ans :- He faced criticism for his 2023 remarks against Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Sanatan Dharma comments and speculation of cross-voting in the 2025 election. No major legal controversies are linked to him [Indian Express, News18].
Q :- Why was C. P. Radhakrishnan chosen as Vice President?
Ans :- His selection reflects BJP’s strategy for South Indian and OBC representation, his non-confrontational leadership, and his extensive political and administrative experience [Oneindia, The Week].
Q :- What is C. P. Radhakrishnan’s role as Vice President?
Ans :- He serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and acts as President if the position is vacant. His role is ceremonial yet crucial for parliamentary order [DNA India].
Q :- How did C. P. Radhakrishnan win the 2025 Vice Presidential election?
Ans :- He secured 452 votes against B. Sudershan Reddy’s 300, with a 98.2% voter turnout among 781 MPs. Cross-voting speculation suggests NDA gained 25 extra votes [News18, Times Now].
Q :- What is C. P. Radhakrishnan’s educational background?
Ans :- He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from V. O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu [Wikipedia].
Q :- How does C. P. Radhakrishnan’s election impact Indian politics?
Ans :- His election strengthens NDA’s constitutional hold, boosts BJP’s South Indian outreach, and promotes OBC representation, with his leadership expected to enhance Rajya Sabha discourse [LiveMint, Indian Express].
Conclusion
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s rise from a young RSS swayamsevak in Tiruppur to India’s 15th Vice President is a remarkable story of dedication, resilience, and leadership. His 2025 election victory, with 452 votes, underscores his political clout and the NDA’s strategic vision. From his contributions to Tamil Nadu’s textile and coir industries to his inclusive governance in multiple states, Radhakrishnan’s legacy is one of service and impact. This article, covering his biography, net worth, car collection, achievements, controversies, and FAQs, is your definitive guide to understanding India’s new Vice President.
General Disclaimer: The information in this article is sourced from verified public records and media reports as of September 11, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details, such as net worth estimates or unconfirmed rumors, are speculative and subject to change. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any inaccuracies or misinterpretations. Readers are encouraged to verify information with official sources.
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