| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan |
| Date of Birth | 20 October 1957 |
| Age | 68 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Father | C. K. Ponnusamy |
| Mother | K. Janaki |
| Education | BBA, V. O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi |
| Profession | Politician, Businessman |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) |
| Wife | Name not widely publicized |
| Children | 2 (including a daughter, name not disclosed) |
| Current Role | Governor of Maharashtra (since July 2024) |
| Previous Role | Governor of Jharkhand (2023–2024), Former BJP State President (Tamil Nadu) |
| Net Worth | Estimated over USD 50,000 |
Who is C. P. Radhakrishnan?
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, popularly known as C. P. Radhakrishnan, is an Indian politician, businessman, and veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has been serving as the Governor of Maharashtra since July 2024. Before this, he was the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024.
He has been a long-time member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and was associated with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh from the young age of 16. His journey in politics spans decades, marked by parliamentary victories, leadership positions, and gubernatorial responsibilities.
Early Life and Education
Radhakrishnan was born on 20 October 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, to C. K. Ponnusamy and K. Janaki. Growing up in Tamil Nadu, he displayed leadership qualities early on and was deeply influenced by the RSS and Jan Sangh.
Academically, he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at V. O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Interestingly, he was also known as a talented table tennis champion during his college years, showcasing both his discipline in sports and academics.
Political Career
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s political journey began with his early involvement in the RSS and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Over the decades, he rose to prominence within the BJP and became one of its key figures in Tamil Nadu.
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He served as the State President of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, working to expand the party’s influence in the southern state.
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He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and re-elected in 1999, reflecting his strong base of support.
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In February 2023, he was appointed the Governor of Jharkhand, a position he held until July 2024.
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On 31 July 2024, he assumed office as the Governor of Maharashtra.
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In August 2025, the BJP-led NDA announced him as their Vice Presidential candidate, cementing his standing as a senior statesman in Indian politics.
Family and Personal Life
Radhakrishnan comes from a simple family background. His parents, C. K. Ponnusamy and K. Janaki, raised him in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu.
He is married, though his wife’s name is not widely publicized in media reports. Together, they have two children, including a daughter whose name has not been disclosed publicly. Despite his high-profile roles, Radhakrishnan has kept his personal family life away from public attention, reflecting his private nature.
Net Worth
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s net worth is estimated to be over USD 50,000. While not considered extremely wealthy compared to some other politicians, his financial status reflects a life more dedicated to public service than to personal fortune. His reputation is built more on his decades of commitment to political life and his association with the BJP and RSS.
Character and Values
What makes Radhakrishnan stand out is his long association with grassroots politics and his reputation for being disciplined and loyal to the party ideology. Colleagues and political observers often describe him as a leader who combines organizational ability with humility.
Even as he took on higher responsibilities as governor and later as vice-presidential nominee, he maintained a reputation for integrity and a low-profile personal lifestyle.
FAQs about C. P. Radhakrishnan
Q: Who is C. P. Radhakrishnan?
A: He is an Indian politician, businessman, and the current Governor of Maharashtra. He has also served as Governor of Jharkhand and was once BJP Tamil Nadu State President.
Q: How old is C. P. Radhakrishnan?
A: He is 68 years old (born 20 October 1957).
Q: Who are C. P. Radhakrishnan’s parents?
A: His father is C. K. Ponnusamy and his mother is K. Janaki.
Q: Does C. P. Radhakrishnan have children?
A: Yes, he has two children, including a daughter, though her name has not been publicly disclosed.
Q: What is his net worth?
A: His net worth is estimated to be over USD 50,000.
Q: What is his current role?
A: Since July 2024, he has been serving as the Governor of Maharashtra.
Conclusion
C. P. Radhakrishnan’s life is a reflection of decades-long dedication to public service and political leadership. From his early years as a student leader and RSS member to his election as an MP, his tenure as Tamil Nadu BJP State President, and his governorships in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, his journey has been steady and impactful.
At 68, with his candidacy for the Vice Presidency of India in 2025, he stands as one of the senior-most leaders in the BJP and a respected figure in Indian politics. Despite his accomplishments, he remains grounded, with family values and service to the nation at the core of his life.
