CP Radhakrishnan, NDA's VP pick, is a strong advocate of Hindi

Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan, who is the BJP-led NDA’s Vice Presidential nominee, has considerable experience as a lawmaker and Governor having handled states like Jharkhand and Maharashtra during politically tumultuous times.

The Tamil Nadu-born Radhakrishnan is a strong advocate of Hindi.

An avid sportsperson, Radhakrishnan, was a college champion in table tennis and long distance running. Besides, he also enjoyed cricket and volleyball.

Radhakrishnan had served as the president of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit from 2004 to 2007 and won the Coimbatore seat in two Lok Sabha elections.

He started his political career at the age of 16, working for the Jan Sangh and then the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Radhakrishnan had come to the financial capital of Mumbai from the gubernatorial office of Jharkhand. He had also held additional responsibilities as Telangana Governor and Puducherry Lieutenant Governor.

He took over as Maharashtra Governor around a year ago.

In June, when the Tamil vs Hindi debate was going on, Radhakrishnan said his entire school education was done in Tamil medium at a municipal school in his village. At that time, there were no private schools in his village, due to which he could not learn Hindi, something he regrets.

Radhakrishnan said after he became the Governor of Jharkhand, he realized that communication with the people was not possible without knowing Hindi. "Today, I can fully understand Hindi,” he said.

Besides, he has always spoken about RSS from Gubernatorial platforms. “RSS volunteers have consistently risen to serve the nation during times of crisis—whether during earthquakes, floods, droughts, or railway accidents across the country…the RSS has faced numerous challenges over the past 100 years, including two bans—one following the tragic assassination of Mahatma Gandhi….he dedication of thousands of swayamsevaks and pracharaks has ensured that the organisation remains strong and vibrant,” he had said.

Born Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan on July 31, 2024, he is an erudite politician and administrator. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has been a member of the RSS and served as the State Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974 in Tamil Nadu.

Radhakrishnan has held several key roles in the BJP over the years, including serving as the BJP Prabhari (In-charge) for Kerala from 2020 to 2022 and a National Executive Member of the party. He also chaired the All India Coir Board from 2016 to 2020. His leadership and strategic role in the BJP have earned him the title of "Modi of Tamil Nadu," owing to his close association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his influence in the southern state.

In addition to his state-level engagements, Radhakrishnan represented India as a member of the first parliamentary delegation to Taiwan in 2014 and addressed the 58th session of the UN General Assembly in 2003, speaking on issues related to humanitarian aid and disaster relief coordination.