In a significant move ahead of the Vice-Presidential elections, the opposition INDIA bloc on Tuesday unanimously announced retired Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate. The announcement was made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at a press conference in New Delhi, where several leaders of the alliance were present.
The decision comes just two days after the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) declared Maharashtra Governor and former BJP MP C.P. Radhakrishnan as its nominee for the vice-presidential race. The election is scheduled for September 9, with August 21 set as the deadline for filing nominations.
Calling the upcoming contest “an ideological battle,” Kharge stressed that the INDIA bloc was united in fielding Justice Reddy, who, he said, had a reputation for standing firmly in defense of constitutional values. “He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic, and political justice. He is a poor man, and if you read his judgments, you will see how often he stood for the rights of the poor while upholding the Constitution and fundamental rights,” Kharge said.
Interestingly, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), though not a formal member of the INDIA bloc, has also pledged support to Justice Reddy’s candidature, adding further strength to the opposition’s bid.
A Distinguished Judicial Career
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy served as a judge of the Supreme Court between 2007 and 2011, delivering several landmark rulings across a range of legal fields, including constitutional law, human rights, taxation, and criminal jurisprudence. Notably, he was part of benches that emphasized transparency, accountability, and protection of fundamental freedoms.
Prior to his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. His judicial career began in 1993 when he was appointed as an additional judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Born in a village in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, Justice Reddy studied law at Osmania University before embarking on a legal career that would span decades. In addition to his judicial tenure, he briefly served as Goa’s first Lokayukta but resigned from the position within seven months, citing constraints in ensuring effective functioning.
The Political Context
The Vice-President of India is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament. The ruling NDA, led by the BJP, currently enjoys a clear numerical edge in the Lok Sabha and a sizeable presence in the Rajya Sabha, giving its candidate a strong advantage in the upcoming vote.
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA’s nominee, is a veteran politician from Tamil Nadu and the current Governor of Maharashtra. A two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, he has long been associated with the BJP and is seen as a loyal party stalwart with organizational experience.
Despite the numerical imbalance, opposition parties see the contest as an opportunity to underline ideological differences with the ruling dispensation. By fielding Justice Reddy, the INDIA bloc hopes to send a message about its commitment to constitutional values, judicial independence, and social justice.
A Symbolic Battle
For the INDIA bloc, the election is less about numbers and more about symbolism. With Justice Reddy’s candidature, the alliance is positioning itself as the defender of constitutional morality and rights of marginalized communities. The choice of a retired judge known for his progressive stance is likely intended to galvanize support beyond the arithmetic of parliamentary votes.
Whether the INDIA bloc’s move reshapes the political narrative remains to be seen, but the Vice-Presidential election is poised to be yet another high-profile test of strength between the ruling NDA and a resurgent opposition ahead of the 2029 general elections.
Also Read: National Sports Governance Bill Becomes Law, Heralds a New Era for Indian Sports
