TFP Bureau, New Delhi, September 12, 2025: Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned parliamentarian and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, was today sworn in as the fifteenth Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at a solemn ceremony held in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, MPs, and leaders from across the political spectrum.
A Solemn Beginning to a New Role
Following the oath-taking, Vice President Radhakrishnan began his tenure with tributes at Rajghat to Mahatma Gandhi, reaffirming his commitment to Gandhian values of truth, service, and simplicity. He then visited memorials of eminent leaders, including former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya at his memorial on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, and Chaudhary Charan Singh at Kisan Ghat. The visits symbolized his respect for India’s political traditions and the leaders who shaped the nation’s democratic ethos.
Leaders Extend Congratulations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, praised the new Vice President for his lifelong commitment to public service. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister said:
“Attended the oath-taking ceremony of Thiru C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji. A dedicated public servant, he has devoted his life to nation-building, social service and strengthening democratic values. Wishing him a successful Vice Presidential tenure, dedicated to the service of the people.”
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also extended greetings on social media, stating:
“Respected Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan ji, hearty congratulations to you on taking oath as the 15th Vice President of the country and best wishes for a successful tenure. I have full faith that the prestige of democracy will increase under your leadership. Your social and administrative experiences will strengthen the constitutional system of the country and the glorious journey of developed India will reach new heights.”
A Life of Service: From Tiruppur to Rajya Sabha
Born on May 4, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan began his journey in public life as an RSS Swayamsevak before joining the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974. An entrepreneur by profession, he successfully built a garment export business before fully devoting himself to politics. His early political rise in the BJP was marked by organizational leadership and grassroots mobilization.
Elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and re-elected in 1999, Radhakrishnan quickly earned a reputation for his parliamentary contributions. He chaired the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles and served on committees dealing with PSUs, Finance, and the high-profile inquiry into the Stock Exchange Scam. His representation of India at the UN General Assembly in 2004 and as part of the first parliamentary delegation to Taiwan showcased his growing stature in foreign policy circles.
Building the BJP in Tamil Nadu and Beyond
Between 2004 and 2007, he led the BJP in Tamil Nadu as State President, spearheading major campaigns such as a 19,000 km Ratha Yatra highlighting national issues ranging from river-linking projects to the eradication of untouchability and drug abuse. His leadership extended to multiple Padayatras, advocating for civil rights, national security, and social reform.
In 2016, his appointment as Chairman of the Coir Board marked a new phase of public service. Under his leadership, coir exports touched a historic peak of ₹2,532 crore, significantly boosting India’s global market presence. Later, as BJP’s All India In-Charge for Kerala (2020–2022), he played a pivotal role in strengthening the party’s organization in the state.
A Distinguished Gubernatorial Career
Radhakrishnan’s gubernatorial tenure was equally eventful. Appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand in 2023, he travelled across all 24 districts within months to directly engage with citizens, officials, and local communities. He later held additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
In 2023, he assumed charge as Governor of Maharashtra, where he promoted initiatives in education, tribal welfare, and youth empowerment. His ‘School Connect’ programme, launched in collaboration with 29 state-funded universities, focused on encouraging tribal boys and girls to pursue higher education. He also emerged as an approachable leader who engaged widely with business communities, academia, and social organizations.
Personal Life and Interests
Shri Radhakrishnan, married to Smt. Sumathi since 1985, is the father of a son and a daughter. A sports enthusiast during his college years, he excelled in table tennis, long-distance running, and also enjoyed cricket and volleyball. He is widely travelled, having visited more than 20 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America, which broadened his understanding of global economic and cultural trends.
Looking Ahead as Vice President
As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C.P. Radhakrishnan is expected to play a critical role in fostering constructive debates, upholding parliamentary decorum, and strengthening India’s democratic traditions. His long-standing experience as a parliamentarian, organizational leader, and administrator is seen as an asset at a time when consensus-building and cooperative federalism are vital to governance.
Analysts believe that his tenure will focus on reinforcing the dignity of parliamentary proceedings, promoting inclusivity in national discourse, and bridging divides across party lines. His diverse experience, from grassroots activism to global representation, equips him to steer the Rajya Sabha into a new era of accountability and productivity.
With his oath today, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan begins a new chapter in a career dedicated to public service. His journey from Tiruppur to the highest echelons of India’s constitutional framework stands as a testament to perseverance, commitment, and faith in democratic values.
