Overview
CP Radhakrishnan, currently serving as Maharashtra Governor, has been nominated by the NDA as its Vice Presidential candidate, highlighting his long-standing political career and significant public service experience across various leadership roles.
Early Life and Education
- Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu.
- Holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Initial Political Involvement
- Began public life as an RSS Swayamsevak.
- Became State Executive Committee Member of Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974.
Rise in Politics and Parliamentary Career
- Appointed Secretary of BJP in Tamil Nadu in 1996.
- Elected to Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and re-elected in 1999.
- Chaired the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Textiles.
- Served on committees for PSUs, Finance, and a special probe into the Stock Exchange Scam.
- Participated in the UN General Assembly as part of India's Parliamentary Delegation in 2004.
- Member of the first Indian Parliamentary delegation to Taiwan.
State Leadership Roles and National Campaigns
- Served as BJP Tamil Nadu President (2004-2007), leading a 19,000 km Ratha Yatra over 93 days.
- Advocated for linking Indian rivers, a uniform civil code, and eradication of terrorism, untouchability, and narcotics.
- Led additional statewide Padayatras for public causes.
Administrative and Gubernatorial Experience
- Chaired the Coir Board in Kochi from 2016, achieving record coir exports.
- Was All-India in charge of BJP for Kerala (2020–2022).
- Appointed Governor of Jharkhand on February 18, 2023, visiting all 24 districts within four months.
- Briefly served as Governor of Telangana and Lt. Governor of Puducherry.
- Sworn in as Maharashtra Governor on July 31, 2024.
Personal Life and Interests
- College table tennis champion and long-distance runner; enjoys cricket and volleyball.
- Has traveled extensively across Europe, Asia, and North America.
NDA Vice Presidential Nomination
- Nominated as NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate, emphasizing his grassroots activism, parliamentary experience, and gubernatorial service.