PM Modi recalls horrific incident that shaped RS Chairman Radhakrishnan's life: What happened during 1998 Coimbatore blasts?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended a warm welcome to Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on his first day as the Rajya Sabha chairman, saying that his journey has been an inspiration to everyone.

"The winter Session is beginning today and it is a proud moment for all members of the House to welcome you. I wish you all the best," PM Modi said in his address on the first day of the Winter Session.

The Prime Minister also pointed out one particular incident from Radhakrishnan's life which gave him a life-long resolve to serve the people.

" ... we all are aware about the bombing in Coimbatore before Advani ji's yatra (in 1998). Several people were killed in that horrific explosion. You had a narrow escape yourself. You saw it (the incident) as divine intervention and converted into an opportunity to dedicate your life to the people. This is a reflection of positive thinking," he said.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "I would like to mention two incidents that I have heard not only from you but also from your family members and which have had a deep impact on your life. In your childhood, there was an incident at the pond of the Avinashi Temple, when… pic.twitter.com/Np2dyNZlKH

— IANS (@ians_india) December 1, 2025

What happened in 1998?

The 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts were one of Tamil Nadu’s worst terror attacks in history.

On February 14, the city witnessed 12 coordinated explosions targeting crowded markets and public areas.

The attacks, timed near a scheduled visit by BJP veteran LK Advani, killed more than 50 people and injured over 200.

In the aftermath of the horrific blasts, BJP leader Radhakrishnan, then a local physician respected for his relief work during the blasts, emerged as a unifying figure in the city.

His hands-on role in treating victims and supporting affected families earned widespread goodwill helped him sweep the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat in the 1998 elections.

Radhakrishnan won the seat by a record margin of over 1,00,000 votes.