Opposition VP Candidate Urges MPs to Prioritize Nation Ahead of Election

As the election for the Vice President of India approaches on September 9, 2025, the opposition’s candidate, former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to cast their votes in the interest of the nation rather than for political parties. His comments come amid heightened political activity leading up to the vote.

Reddy emphasized the importance of national interest during a recent address, stating, “The Vice-Presidential elections are just two or three days away, and I urge you to vote not in the interest of your party but in the interest of the country. I am confident that whatever decision you take will not serve my interest or yours, but it will be in the country’s interest.” This statement reflects the ongoing efforts of the opposition bloc to consolidate support for their candidate.

Political Activities Intensify

In a bid to strengthen unity among opposition parties, Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, is set to host a dinner meeting for MPs from the INDIA bloc on September 8, 2025, at the Parliament Annexe. According to reports, this gathering aims to reaffirm support for Reddy’s candidacy and enhance collaboration among opposition members.

Justice Reddy, a respected jurist from Hyderabad, has received endorsements from various political leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Owaisi confirmed his support, stating, “Telangana CM spoke to me and requested support for Justice Sudershan Reddy as Vice President. We will support him — a respected jurist and fellow Hyderabadi.”

Reddy was officially announced as the united opposition’s candidate for the Vice-Presidential election on August 19, 2025. His legal career includes serving as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and being appointed as a Supreme Court judge in January 2007. He retired from the Supreme Court in July 2011.

Opposition Faces NDA Challenger

On the other side, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated CP Radhakrishnan, a seasoned leader from Tamil Nadu, for the Vice Presidency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda announced Radhakrishnan’s candidacy on August 12, 2025. Radhakrishnan has a long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and is expected to be a formidable opponent in the upcoming election.

The vacancy for the Vice President’s position arose following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, due to health concerns. The election will be conducted through a secret ballot by an electoral college comprising all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, as stipulated under Article 66 of the Indian Constitution.

In an interesting dynamic, this Vice-Presidential election might be characterized as a “South vs South” contest, with Radhakrishnan representing Tamil Nadu and Reddy from Telangana. The outcome could have significant implications, as the Vice President also serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Political observers will closely follow the developments leading to the election, particularly the impact of the INDIA bloc’s efforts to unify opposition forces and the strategies employed by both candidates.