C.P. Radhakrishnan: A New Chapter in Indian Democracy
— Lalit Garg—
n the election for India’s next Vice-President, members of both Houses of Parliament cast their votes. The ruling NDA’s candidate, former Tamil Nadu BJP president C.P. Radhakrishnan, defeated the opposition’s nominee, senior advocate B. Sudarshan Reddy, securing 452 votes and thereby creating history as the 15th Vice-President of India. According to the Returning Officer and Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Modi Polling was conducted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room F-101 of Parliament House Annexe. This event is not merely about the election to a constitutional office; it is a reflection of the shifting dynamics of Indian politics and the future course it signals. Radhakrishnan’s victory is not just a product of political arithmetic but a triumph of vision, ideology, and leadership. The office of Vice-President symbolizes constitutional dignity, where national interest takes precedence over party politics. By nominating a leader like Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership have made it clear that for them, personality, integrity, and a national outlook are paramount in the choice for high offices. This emphatic win carries multiple implications: it strengthens the political and organizational grip of the NDA, exposes the weaknesses and internal rifts within the INDIA bloc, and sets a new direction in politics where personal integrity, social acceptance, and national vision matter more than mere numbers.
Radhakrishnan’s election is also significant because he is not just a political figure limited to his party but is seen as a broader socio-cultural representative. His selection reflects the BJP’s long-term strategy of not only seeking electoral victories but also working towards cultural and ideological stability. This election can rightly be called a moment where multiple goals were achieved with a single decision—asserting NDA’s strength, sending a clear message to the opposition, upholding constitutional dignity, and initiating a new tradition of thoughtful choices for key constitutional roles. For the BJP, Radhakrishnan’s candidature carries another layer of strategic meaning. Tamil Nadu’s political landscape has long been dominated by Dravidian movements and regional identities, leaving little space for national parties. BJP has historically struggled to establish a firm footing in the state—it won only 4 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls, while its NDA allies secured 66. In this context, Modi’s move to nominate a Tamil leader like Radhakrishnan is a calculated political step. By elevating him, the BJP is sending a message of respect for Tamil identity, culture, and leadership, while simultaneously creating a foundation to expand its presence in the region and challenge decades of Dravidian dominance.
The office of the Vice-President, who is also the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, has always been a symbol of balance and dignity in Indian democracy. It is not a mere ceremonial post, but one that guides deliberations, dialogue, and the spirit of democratic debate. This legacy was elevated by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a philosopher and statesman, who gave the office cultural, moral, and intellectual depth. His example underlined that the Vice-President is not just a political figure but also a guardian of India’s values and ideals. The NDA’s choice of C.P. Radhakrishnan continues this tradition, reaffirming that the strength of Indian democracy lies not only in electoral battles but also in selecting individuals of integrity, scholarship, and sensitivity for its highest offices. C.P. Radhakrishnan’s journey is one of struggle, dedication, and tireless service. Born on 20 October 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, his student life was marked by excellence in sports—he was a table tennis champion—and social activism. After completing his higher education, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, laying the foundation for a life of public service. Entering active politics through the Jan Sangh in the 1970s, he gradually rose to prominence within the BJP. Twice elected as a Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore in 1998 and 1999, his parliamentary performance, committee work, and fearless advocacy for public issues earned him the image of a committed people’s representative. As president of the Tamil Nadu BJP (2004–2007), he led expansion drives, yatras, and public movements. Later, as Chairman of the Coir Board, he played a pivotal role in boosting the coconut industry and exports.
C.P. Radhakrishnan’s administrative journey also included gubernatorial responsibilities—he served as Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Throughout, he was admired for his transparency, humility, and adherence to constitutional values, acting as a bridge between governments and citizens. Known for his simple and balanced personality, Radhakrishnan has always believed in dialogue as the path to solutions. With Jagdeep Dhankhar stepping down as Vice-President due to health reasons, Radhakrishnan emerged as the unanimous NDA nominee. While the opposition fielded its candidate, the result was a foregone conclusion given the NDA’s numbers and the abstention of some regional parties. Now, as he begins his tenure as the 15th Vice-President of India, expectations are high. His presence is likely to foster restraint, dialogue, and dignity in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha. His southern roots and OBC background also reflect a balance of social and political representation. Throughout his life, Radhakrishnan has approached positions of power not as privileges but as opportunities for service. As he takes up this new responsibility, there is hope that he will strengthen the traditions of parliamentary democracy, elevate the quality of discourse, and safeguard the values of the Constitution. His experience, patience, and dedication may well serve as pillars for making Indian democracy stronger and more inclusive in the years to come.
साभार :
© CopyRight Pressnote.in | A Avid Web Solutions Venture.