Opposition’s Vice-Presidential Pick B Sudershan Reddy To File Nomination Today

The INDIA bloc’s Vice-Presidential candidate, former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy, will submit his nomination papers on Thursday.

The election will take place 9 September.

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, announced Justice Reddy’s candidature on Tuesday in New Delhi after a meeting of the Opposition alliance.

Presenting him formally on Wednesday, Kharge stated, “This Vice-Presidential election is not just about filling a constitutional post — it is an ideological battle for the soul of the nation.”

He accused the ruling party of following a ‘majoritarian’ path, while claiming the Opposition stands for justice, inclusivity and the protection of constitutional values.

“While the ruling party has chosen the path of majoritarianism, we stand firm in our commitment to justice, inclusivity, and the Constitution,” Kharge said at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament), where Justice Reddy was introduced to Opposition leaders.

Kharge stressed that Justice Reddy’s nomination symbolises unity among Opposition parties in resisting what they allege is the government’s weakening of democratic institutions.

“We announce his candidature with great pride and conviction,” Kharge said, calling it a reflection of ideological solidarity.

Justice Reddy, known for landmark verdicts and his commitment to social, economic and political equality, represents constitutional values.

His nomination, Kharge added, is also a response to the ruling party’s ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Criticism of Parliament Functioning

The Congress president also criticised Parliament’s functioning under the current government. He alleged that debates are curtailed, bills are rushed without scrutiny, and central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department and CBI are misused to target political opponents.

He described the recent Monsoon Session as a ‘black chapter’ in parliamentary history.

Kharge said the dignity of the Rajya Sabha has suffered, and argued that Justice Reddy’s role as Vice-President and Chairman of the Upper House would help restore fairness and revive parliamentary traditions once upheld by leaders such as S Radhakrishnan.

“In the last 11 years, the ruling party has not only discriminated against the Opposition but also obstructed parliamentary work. Even with a minority government, they continue to pass anti-people laws by misusing their numbers. The Speaker’s role in suppressing opposition voices has been deeply troubling,” Kharge said, switching briefly to Hindi.

Urging MPs to support Justice Reddy, Kharge described him as a leader whose life reflects fairness, compassion and empowerment of citizens – qualities he said are essential in today’s political climate.

As the Vice-Presidential election approaches, Justice Reddy’s nomination has set the stage for a contest that Opposition parties say is not merely between two candidates but between two visions of India’s democratic future.

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