Opposition Names Ex-SC Judge B Sudershan Reddy As Vice-Presidential Candidate

The Opposition bloc on Tuesday declared former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the contest an ‘ideological battle’ and confirmed that Reddy will file his nomination on August 21.

Kharge said all Opposition members agreed on fielding a candidate to highlight values rooted in the freedom struggle, the Constitution, and democracy.

“These values are under assault, and that is why the Opposition has united for this ideological battle,” he asserted.

Reddy’s Legal & Judicial Career

Introducing the nominee, Kharge described Justice Reddy as ‘pro-poor and a champion of economic and social causes’.

Reddy began his legal practice in Andhra Pradesh, served as the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, and the authorities elevated him to the Supreme Court in January 2007. He retired in July 2011 after more than four years on the bench.

Reddy will face off against the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda announced his candidature on August 12.

The NDA meeting coinciding with the Opposition’s announcement saw PM Modi appeal to all Members of Parliament, including from the Opposition, to elect Radhakrishnan unanimously.

The Vice-Presidential election follows the mid-term resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who cited medical reasons for vacating the office. His sudden departure has sparked speculation about possible strains between him and the government.

The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. With its commanding numerical strength in Parliament, the NDA holds a clear advantage in the contest.

The office is significant not only as the second-highest constitutional post in the country but also because the Vice President serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

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