Opposition INDIA bloc names Supreme Court former judge B Sudershan Reddy as its Vice President nominee, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest against NDA’s candidate in the upcoming election.
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NEW DELHI: B Sudershan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge, to be the INDIA bloc’s Vice Presidential candidate.
The opposition alliance INDIA bloc on Tuesday announced former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election scheduled on September 9.
The decision was finalized after a crucial meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, where leaders from across the alliance deliberated on the importance of putting forward a common candidate to challenge the ruling BJP-led NDA.
Who is Justice B Sudershan Reddy?
Justice Reddy, a respected former judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been known for his integrity and legal acumen. His candidature is being projected by the INDIA bloc as a symbol of independence, fairness, and constitutional values, qualities they argue are vital for the post of Vice President, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Born in Rangareddy district, Andhra Pradesh, Justice Reddy began his legal journey as an advocate in 1971, practicing in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. His distinguished judicial career includes:
- Appointment as a High Court judge (1995)
- Elevation to Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court (2005)
- Appointment as a Supreme Court judge (2007–2011)
- Service as Goa’s first Lokayukta post-retirement
Justice Reddy is regarded as a jurist of high integrity, and his candidature underscores the opposition’s intent to put forward a respected constitutional figure.
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Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge announced the decision after extensive consultations among opposition leaders. According to sources, other names that were discussed included Mylswamy Annadurai (former ISRO scientist) and Tushar Gandhi (author and great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi). Ultimately, Justice Reddy’s legal stature and acceptability across the bloc secured his nomination.
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college of 782 MPs (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha), requiring 392 votes to win. The NDA currently holds a strong majority with 293 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 133 in the Rajya Sabha, making CP Radhakrishnan the clear frontrunner. Unless significant defections occur, the NDA is expected to secure the Vice President’s post with ease.
Despite the unfavorable arithmetic, the INDIA bloc has chosen to field a candidate to avoid giving the BJP a walkover. The move is aimed at:
- Projecting opposition unity amid growing political challenges
- Highlighting ideological differences with the BJP
- Keeping allies under pressure, especially with the BJP choosing a Tamil Nadu face and the INDIA bloc countering with a candidate from Andhra Pradesh
The choice of candidates has created fresh dilemmas for regional parties.
- DMK was caught off guard by the BJP’s Tamil Nadu nominee.
- Now, TDP, a BJP ally, faces pressure over the INDIA bloc’s Andhra candidate.
- The YSRCP (led by Jagan Mohan Reddy) and BRS (led by K Chandrashekar Rao) will also have to weigh political costs before declaring support
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