The opposition bloc has chosen Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge, as its Vice-Presidential candidate, signaling a contest of principles against the NDA’s C.P. Radhakrishnan.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, August 19, 2025 – The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) bloc announced former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9. The decision was made following a meeting of opposition leaders at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday, setting the stage for a contest against the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan.
Making the announcement at a Press conference, Kharge praised Justice Reddy’s distinguished career and commitment to constitutional values. “B. Sudarshan Reddy is one of India’s most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic, and political justice,” Kharge said, emphasizing the bloc’s intent to field a non-political figure respected for upholding democratic principles.
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Kharge further noted that the opposition’s choice reflects their commitment to protecting the Constitution. “We need a Vice President who believes in the values of democracy and the Constitution. Justice Reddy’s impeccable record makes him the ideal candidate to represent the I.N.D.I.A. bloc,” he added, highlighting the strategic decision to counter the NDA’s nominee with a figure of judicial stature.
सभी विपक्षी पार्टियों ने मिलकर उपराष्ट्रपति पद के चुनाव के लिए एक उम्मीदवार चुना है।
मुझे ख़ुशी है कि सभी दल एकजुट होकर सहमत हुए हैं। ये लोकतंत्र और संविधान के लिए बहुत बड़ी उपलब्धि है।
जब कभी संविधान खतरे में होता है तो हम सब मिलकर उसे बचाने के लिए लड़ते हैं। हमने तय किया है… pic.twitter.com/OerCmfb1Ne
— Congress (@INCIndia) August 19, 2025
Who is Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy?
Born on July 8, 1946, in Akula Mylaram village, Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, B. Sudarshan Reddy comes from an agricultural family. He graduated with a B.A. and LL.B. from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and began his legal career in 1971, practicing civil and constitutional law under senior advocate K. Pratap Reddy at the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Reddy served as Government Pleader in the High Court from 1988 to 1990 and as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government in 1990. He was also the Legal Adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University and was elected President of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Advocates Association in 1993.Reddy’s judicial career began as an Additional Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1993, becoming a permanent judge in 1995. He served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court from December 2005 and was elevated to the Supreme Court of India in January 2007, retiring in July 2011. Post-retirement, he became the first Lokayukta of Goa, further cementing his reputation as a defender of justice and accountability.
The I.N.D.I.A. bloc’s decision to nominate Reddy came after extensive consultations, with Kharge reaching out to leaders from 25 parties, including Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), Akhilesh Yadav (SP), Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT), and Abhishek Banerjee (TMC). The opposition rejected a proposal from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to support the NDA’s candidate, with Kharge citing past dissatisfaction with the previous Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned on July 21, 2025, due to health reasons. “The BJP always asks for support for their candidate but never seeks our suggestions,” Kharge remarked, underscoring the bloc’s resolve to field a joint candidate to send a strong political message.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongly advocated for Reddy, preferring a non-political figure to avoid a regional contest, especially after the DMK proposed its leader Annadurai, which was opposed by TMC to prevent a “Tamil vs. Tamil” fight against the NDA’s Radhakrishnan.
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With the NDA holding a numerical advantage in the electoral college of 781 members, requiring 391 votes to win, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc’s decision to field Reddy signals a symbolic challenge to highlight ideological differences. The opposition’s choice of a former jurist underscores their focus on constitutional integrity, contrasting with the NDA’s selection of Radhakrishnan, a veteran RSS member and former BJP Tamil Nadu president.
As the nomination deadline of August 21 approaches, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc is poised to rally behind Reddy, with Kharge’s leadership aiming to unify the opposition. “Our candidate represents the values of justice and democracy that we stand for,” Kharge concluded, setting the tone for a closely watched electoral battle.
The Vice-Presidential election, with polling and counting set for September 9, promises to be a significant moment in India’s political landscape, as both alliances vie to shape the narrative around the second-highest constitutional office.
