The opposition INDIA bloc on Monday, August 19, announced former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9.
The decision was made unanimously by alliance partners and announced by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who described the contest as an “ideological battle” to safeguard constitutional values.
Justice Reddy, who served in the Supreme Court between 2007 and 2011, is known for his progressive judgments on constitutional safeguards and tribal rights. Prior to his elevation, he worked as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Following retirement, he was appointed as the first Lokayukta of Goa in 2013.
In his first remarks after being named, Justice Reddy appealed to all political parties to support him. “I appeal to all parties to support me. I represent not just the INDIA bloc but 60 per cent of India,” he told reporters.
The ruling NDA has fielded C.P. Radhakrishnan, current Governor of Maharashtra and veteran BJP leader, as its candidate. With a numerical advantage in Parliament, the NDA remains in a strong position, but the INDIA bloc’s choice of a respected jurist is seen as a symbolic push to frame the election as a fight for constitutional integrity.
Political observers note that the contest highlights the contrasting strategies of the two alliances: the NDA banking on a seasoned party leader, while the INDIA bloc projects a non-political figure with legal gravitas.
The Vice-Presidential election will be conducted by members of both Houses of Parliament, with results expected on the same day.
