INDIA Bloc Nominates B. Sudershan Reddy as Vice-Presidential Candidate in Ideological Battle
New Delhi, August 19, 2025 — In a significant political move, the opposition INDIA bloc announced former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, scheduled for September 9, 2025. The decision, revealed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge following a high-level meeting at his residence in New Delhi, positions Justice Reddy against the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan. Kharge described the contest as an “ideological battle” to protect constitutional values and democratic principles, signaling the opposition’s resolve to challenge the ruling coalition.
A Strategic Nomination
The announcement came after extensive consultations among INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP), and others, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also endorsing Reddy’s candidacy despite not being present at the press conference. The choice of Justice Reddy, a respected jurist from Telangana with a distinguished legal career, is seen as a tactical move to consolidate opposition unity and appeal to regional sentiments, particularly in southern India.
“This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all opposition parties agreed on this, which is why we have nominated B. Sudershan Reddy as the joint candidate,” Kharge declared at a press conference attended by TMC MP Derek O’Brien and NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar. He hailed Reddy as “one of India’s most distinguished and progressive jurists,” emphasizing his consistent advocacy for social, economic, and political justice. Kharge noted that Reddy’s judicial record reflects a commitment to protecting the Constitution and fundamental rights, particularly for marginalized communities.
Who is B. Sudershan Reddy?
Born on July 8, 1946, in Akula Mylaram village in the Rangareddy district of undivided Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), B. Sudershan Reddy hails from a farming family. He completed his B.A. and LL.B. at Osmania University, Hyderabad, and enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh on December 27, 1971. His legal career spans over five decades, marked by significant contributions to India’s judicial system.
Reddy began practicing writ and civil matters at the Andhra Pradesh High Court, serving as Government Pleader from 1988 to 1990 and briefly as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government in 1990. He also acted as Legal Adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University. Appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on May 2, 1995, he later served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court from December 5, 2005. Elevated to the Supreme Court of India on January 12, 2007, Reddy served until his retirement on July 8, 2011, delivering landmark judgments in criminal jurisprudence, constitutional law, taxation, service law, and human rights.
In March 2013, Reddy became the first Lokayukta of Goa but resigned within seven months, citing personal reasons. He also chaired the Expert Group for Telangana’s Caste Census, set up by the Congress-led state government, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre, Hyderabad. His nomination is viewed as a nod to his progressive judicial legacy and regional roots, potentially challenging NDA allies like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) to reconsider their support for Radhakrishnan.
The Political Context
The Vice-Presidential election follows the sudden resignation of incumbent Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons, which Congress MP KC Venugopal noted remains unexplained, fueling speculation about underlying political motives. The election, governed by Article 66(1) of the Constitution, involves an electoral college of MPs from both houses of Parliament, with voting conducted via secret ballot and proportional representation using a single transferable vote system. The Election Commission has set August 21 as the deadline for filing nominations, with withdrawals permitted until August 25, and polling and counting scheduled for September 9.
The NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), named C.P. Radhakrishnan, a former Tamil Nadu BJP president and RSS veteran, as its candidate on August 17, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged opposition parties to support Radhakrishnan to ensure a consensus, citing his organizational roots in Tamil Nadu and goodwill with regional parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). However, the INDIA bloc’s decision to field Reddy underscores its determination to contest the election, avoiding a walkover for the NDA.
Sources within the opposition highlighted Reddy’s selection as a strategic counter to the NDA’s regional play. “Justice Reddy is a significant figure from Andhra Pradesh, well-respected across society. Should TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu not consider supporting him?” a senior opposition MP asked, pointing to the regional dynamics at play. The TMC’s preference for an apolitical candidate and the DMK’s push for a South Indian nominee were both addressed by choosing Reddy, ensuring broad coalition support.
Opposition’s Ideological Stand
The INDIA bloc framed the election as a defense of democratic values, with Kharge stating, “Democratic values are under attack.” Congress MP KC Venugopal echoed this sentiment, describing the contest as a fight to “save the Constitution” amid broader ideological challenges facing the nation. The opposition’s narrative positions Reddy as a symbol of judicial integrity and constitutional protection, contrasting with the NDA’s political appointee.
However, some posts on X have stirred controversy, with users like @pradip103 and @MeghUpdates alleging that Reddy’s judicial record includes controversial decisions, such as dismissing a Bhopal Gas Tragedy review, ending the Salwa Judum anti-Naxal initiative, and opposing India’s arms procurement from Israel. These claims, lacking corroboration from mainstream sources, remain inconclusive but reflect polarized sentiments online.
Regional and Political Implications
The nomination carries significant regional undertones. By selecting Reddy, a native of Andhra Pradesh, the INDIA bloc places pressure on NDA allies like the TDP and YSRCP, both rooted in the region, to navigate their allegiances carefully. The TDP, however, reaffirmed its commitment to the NDA, with a spokesperson stating on X (@IndiaToday) that no ally would change its stance. Similarly, the BJP’s choice of Radhakrishnan, a Tamil Nadu figure, was seen as an attempt to challenge the DMK’s position, highlighting the intricate interplay of regional politics in the national contest.
While an upset victory for Reddy would require a significant rebellion within the NDA—an unlikely scenario given its parliamentary strength—the opposition’s decision to contest signals its intent to remain a formidable force. Political analysts, such as Sandeep Phukan and Ravi Reddy in The Hindu, suggest that the nomination underscores the INDIA bloc’s strategy to maintain cohesion and project unity ahead of future electoral battles.
Next Steps
Justice Reddy is set to file his nomination on August 21, 2025, with a meeting of all opposition MPs scheduled in Parliament’s Central Hall the following day to rally support. In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Reddy expressed confidence, stating, “As the opposition’s candidate, I represent 60% of India,” and appealed to all parties, including the NDA, to back his candidacy.
The Vice-Presidential election promises to be a closely watched contest, not only for its outcome but also for its implications for India’s political landscape. As the INDIA bloc and NDA prepare for the September 9 showdown, the focus remains on whether Reddy’s nomination can galvanize opposition forces and challenge the ruling coalition’s dominance.
For More News Updates Follow-www. tconews.in
