INDIA Bloc Nominates Justice B. Sudershan Reddy for VP Election

The INDIA bloc has officially nominated former Supreme Court Judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential elections, scheduled for September 9, 2023. The announcement was made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi following a meeting among opposition leaders. Justice Reddy is set to file his nomination on August 21.

Kharge highlighted the significance of the election, referring to it as an “ideological battle” among opposition parties. He expressed gratitude for the united front supporting Justice Reddy’s candidacy. “This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this,” Kharge stated during a press briefing.

Justice Reddy has a distinguished legal background, recognized as one of India’s most progressive jurists. Kharge described him as a “consistent and courageous champion of social, economic, and political justice,” emphasizing his dedication to upholding the Constitution and advocating for the rights of the underprivileged.

Background of Justice B. Sudershan Reddy

Born on July 8, 1946, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy began his legal career after being enrolled as an advocate in Hyderabad on December 27, 1971. He practiced in Writ and Civil matters at the Andhra Pradesh High Court and served as the Government Pleader from 1988 to 1990. In addition, he held the role of Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government for a brief period in 1990.

His judicial journey includes notable appointments, starting as a permanent Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on May 2, 1995. Justice Reddy later became the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court on December 5, 2005 and was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on January 12, 2008. He retired from the Supreme Court on July 8, 2011.

In this election, Justice Reddy will compete against the candidate from the National Democratic Alliance, CP Radhakrishnan. The Election Commission has confirmed that voting will take place on September 9, with vote counting occurring on the same day. The last date for filing nominations is set for August 21, while candidates may withdraw their nominations until August 25.

The Vice Presidential position became vacant following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21 due to health concerns. The election is governed by provisions outlined in Articles 64 and 68 of the Indian Constitution. As stipulated in Article 66(1), the Vice President is elected through a system of proportional representation using a secret ballot.

The INDIA bloc’s nomination of Justice Reddy reflects a concerted effort to present a unified opposition in the face of the upcoming elections, underscoring the significance of this political contest in the current landscape.