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INDIA Bloc Selects Judge B. Sudershan Reddy as VP Candidate
The opposition alliance INDIA bloc has finalised former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its nominee for the upcoming Vice Presidential election. The announcement was made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on August 19, ahead of the polls scheduled for September 9. Leaders of the bloc said the decision was unanimous and aimed at fielding a candidate respected for legal acumen and integrity.
Profile of the Nominee
Justice Sudershan Reddy, born in July 1946, pursued law at Osmania University before beginning his career as a lawyer in Andhra Pradesh. He served as government pleader and was later appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1995. Reddy went on to become Acting Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India in 2007. He retired from the apex court in 2011. After retirement, he briefly served as the Lokayukta of Goa. Known for his progressive views and strong stance on transparency, his judicial career has been marked by landmark rulings.
Political Context and Rival Candidate
The ruling BJP-led NDA has nominated C. P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice President. With this contest, the election is expected to be closely watched as it pits a seasoned political leader against a former judge. The INDIA bloc’s choice of a non-political candidate reflects its strategy to highlight constitutional values and judicial integrity over political muscle.
Election Timeline and Unity Signal
Justice Reddy is set to file his nomination on August 21. Leaders of the alliance hailed his candidature as a unifying move across diverse opposition parties, calling it a “victory for democratic consensus.” The bloc sees the nomination as a chance to project unity and seriousness in the face of a strong NDA challenge.
