BJP President JP Nadda announced that CP Radhakrishnan will be the NDA's Vice Presidential candidate. Following extensive deliberations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Radhakrishnan's name was endorsed. He is currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra.
CP Radhakrishnan, named by his mother after former President Radhakrishnan, is poised to become India's Vice President. With a political career spanning over four decades, he has led the BJP to several victories from Tamil Nadu's Kongu belt.
Born on October 20, 1957, in Tirupur, CP Radhakrishnan's mother, Janki Amma, was moved by his Vice Presidential nomination. "Named after Dr. Radhakrishnan, India's second President, he excelled academically," she remarks.
Janki Amma, a former primary school teacher, remains surprised by her son's political path. She mentions, "His journey in politics was challenging, but it has borne fruit. We owe gratitude to PM Modi for recognizing his efforts. CPR values honesty above all."
His uncle, CK Kuppusamy, a three-time Congress MP, voiced admiration, "Our family has been into politics for 25 years. CPR always showed affection towards peers and mingled easily with opposition members. A staunch RSS follower, close to Vajpayee, he has carved his own path recognized by PM Modi, leading him to the role of Governor and now a Vice Presidential nominee."
CPR's political journey began in 1974 as a state executive member of Janata Sangh. He won the 1998 Lok Sabha elections from Coimbatore, defeating DMK's M. Ramanathan. A rare BJP victor from Tamil Nadu, the 1998 bomb blasts were seen as pivotal in his win, followed by a tenure as BJP's state president from 2003 to 2006.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami welcomed the announcement, urging all Tamil Nadu MPs to support him beyond political differences. He remarked, "It's a proud moment for Tamil Nadu to have a Vice Presidential nominee. I appeal to all MPs to back CPR."
CPR has been a steadfast critic of the DMK, countered by party leaders labeling him a 'RSS man'. DMK's organizing secretary, TKS Elangovan, suggested his candidacy was a ploy for the 2026 Assembly elections, with no genuine intent to honor Tamils. "While BJP claims to support Tamils, actions such as relocation of officials involved in Keezhadi research and denial of funds contradicted their words. Is fielding a candidate from Tamil Nadu supposed to elevate Tamil pride?" Elangovan questioned, also noting the absence of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
