Bridging South India, OBC Empowerment, and Clean Politics
-Lalit Garg-
The BJP-led NDA has struck several chords at once by declaring Chandrapuram Ponnuswamy Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the Vice President’s post. The party has chosen him with careful thought. He is a Tamil, belongs to a backward community, has roots in the RSS, enjoys a long-standing rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and is known for his clean and unblemished image. His nomination is not merely a result of political calculations but a conscious decision to elevate to the national stage a personality defined by simplicity, integrity, and service. His selection stands as a living symbol of the inclusiveness and breadth of Indian democracy.
So far, in Indian politics, the BJP’s presence in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, has remained relatively weak and its biggest challenge. After securing consistent success in northern and western India, the party now aims to expand its influence in the southern states. Radhakrishnan hails from Tamil Nadu and is regarded as one of the prominent faces of the BJP there. His candidature signals that the BJP no longer wants to treat the South as peripheral but intends to bring it firmly into the mainstream of power. In Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan is recognized as a strong organizer of the BJP. In the political corridors of North India, he is popularly referred to as ‘Radha ji.’ Twice elected to Parliament from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999 on a BJP ticket, Radhakrishnan has been associated with the RSS since his school days. At one point, he was considered close to the AIADMK in Tamil politics. He enjoys cordial relations across political parties, making it difficult even for the DMK to oppose his candidature openly.
His selection for the Vice Presidency will send out a powerful message of respect and empowerment to the OBC community. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the BJP has consistently worked to empower this section of society. Radhakrishnan himself belongs to the OBC community. Modi has always emphasized the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.” Radhakrishnan’s nomination marks yet another step in this direction. It is likely to further strengthen OBC support for the BJP across the country, consolidating its social base. The BJP has often created political wonders through its decisions, showcasing its strategic acumen. The nomination of C.P. Radhakrishnan is one such striking example. With a single move, the party has managed to achieve multiple objectives—strengthening its base in the South, appealing to the OBC community, unsettling the opposition, and sending out a message of clean and principled politics. It is certain that, as Vice President, he will prove to be a successful leader not only for the BJP but for the entire nation.
It is an interesting coincidence that both the top constitutional positions of the country are now connected to Jharkhand. Before being elected as the President of India, Droupadi Murmu served as the Governor of Jharkhand, and C.P. Radhakrishnan, now set to become Vice President, also served as the Governor of Jharkhand. At present, he is the Governor of Maharashtra. He has also simultaneously held additional charge as Governor of Telangana and as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Modi and Shah have always placed immense trust in him, entrusting him at one time with the responsibility of three states at once. For the Vice Presidency, such a trustworthy, devoted, and responsible figure was indeed the need of the hour. The Vice President also represents India on international platforms. Radhakrishnan’s scholarly temperament, dignified conduct, and balanced outlook will further strengthen India’s soft power. His personality reflects India’s traditions, culture, and democratic values in their finest form.
In Indian politics, the Vice President is not only the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha but also a custodian of multi-party dialogue and democratic traditions. Radhakrishnan’s calm demeanor, patience, and ability to engage in dialogue will make him especially effective in this role. Even the opposition is likely to find his image acceptable, which will help maintain balance in parliamentary proceedings. His selection underscores that Indian democracy continues to value simplicity and service above all. He represents not only the honor of South India and the OBC community but also stands as a face of hope and equilibrium for the entire nation. It is beyond doubt that he will perform his duties with distinction, emerging in the coming years as an inspiring and exemplary leader, just as former Vice President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan remains an enduring ideal.
It is noteworthy that there are several striking similarities between former Vice President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and today’s Vice Presidential candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan. Although their backgrounds are different—one was a great philosopher, teacher, and diplomat, while the other is a political and social figure—there are shared traits in their personalities. Both carry the name “Radhakrishnan,” which in Indian culture symbolizes devotion, wisdom, and ethics associated with Lord Krishna. Both, in their own ways, upheld Indian traditions and values. Dr. Radhakrishnan gave Indian philosophy a place of pride on the world stage and reshaped the world of education, while C.P. Radhakrishnan earned repute in politics and public life for his integrity, service, and transparency. Dr. Radhakrishnan devoted his life to teaching, regarding education as the foundation of nation-building. C.P. Radhakrishnan’s political journey too rests on the foundation of education, morality, and cultural values. Both are known for their clean image and simplicity. Neither was ever tainted by corruption or scandal, which is rare in today’s public life. Dr. Radhakrishnan received global respect as a philosopher-statesman, while C.P. Radhakrishnan has earned people’s trust, affection, and respect as a leader. Both stand as representatives of Indian values, honesty, and national service.
In politics, C.P. Radhakrishnan is known as a clean and simple leader. He has never engaged in divisive or controversial politics, but instead carved his place through organizational skill, grassroots connection, and dedication to service. His association with social and educational institutions has broadened his personality beyond the political sphere. This makes him fully capable of upholding the dignity and responsibility of the Vice Presidency. By fielding Radhakrishnan, the BJP has created a real challenge for the opposition. His simple and unblemished image will make it difficult for rivals to launch an aggressive campaign against him. Moreover, his distance from sectarian and divisive politics has made him more acceptable across parties. His involvement extends beyond electoral politics to social and educational initiatives, reinforcing the BJP’s image as a party that values honest and principled leadership. The reason why Radhakrishnan is expected to be a successful Vice President is captured in this thought: he is a rare personality, free from bias and committed to promoting multi-party dialogue. His long experience within the BJP gives him a deep understanding of the political pulse. This ensures his credibility across the public and political spectrum. With South India gaining rightful representation at the center, he will stand as a face of inclusiveness in national politics.
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