Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan’s election as India’s 15th Vice President on September 9, 2025, underscores the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) deepening roots in Tamil Nadu and its strategic outreach to the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities. Affectionately known as ‘Pachai Tamizhan’ (Green Tamilian), Radhakrishnan’s ascent to the nation’s second-highest constitutional office is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP.
Early life and RSS affiliation
Born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, in 1957, Radhakrishnan’s political journey began at the age of 16 when he joined the RSS. His familial connections further anchored him in the Hindu nationalist movement; his brother, Ramakrishnan, led the district unit of the Jana Sangh, and his father, Ponnaya Ayyappan, served as the District President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Radhakrishnan’s early activism included his role as a co-organizer of the Hindu Munnani in Tamil Nadu, reflecting his dedication to the state’s cultural and religious ethos.
Political career and BJP leadership
Radhakrishnan’s political career within the BJP has been marked by significant milestones. He served as the Member of Parliament for Coimbatore during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Despite a mix-up in 1998 that led to his fellow Tamil leader, Pon Radhakrishnan, being appointed as a Union Minister instead of him, Radhakrishnan continued to serve in various capacities, including as the Tamil Nadu state president of the BJP. His tenure as the Governor of Maharashtra further solidified his stature within the party and the national political landscape.
Victory in the vice Presidential election
In the 2025 Vice Presidential election, Radhakrishnan secured 452 of the 752 valid votes, defeating opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy. His victory was hailed as a triumph of “nationalistic ideology,” emphasizing the BJP’s vision for India’s future.
Significance for Tamil Nadu and the BJP
Radhakrishnan’s election is particularly significant for Tamil Nadu, as he becomes only the third leader from the state to hold the Vice President’s office. His success reflects the BJP’s growing influence in a region traditionally dominated by other political parties. Additionally, as an OBC from the Goundar-Kongu Vellalar community, Radhakrishnan’s rise highlights the BJP’s efforts to broaden its base among diverse social groups in Tamil Nadu.
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan’s journey from an RSS swayamsevak to the Vice President of India exemplifies the BJP’s strategic consolidation in Tamil Nadu. His deep ideological roots and commitment to the party’s values have paved the way for greater regional representation at the national level. As Vice President, Radhakrishnan’s leadership is poised to influence India’s political discourse, reinforcing the BJP’s vision for a united and progressive nation.
