Who is Sudershan Reddy? Opposition’s pick for Vice-President candidate with Telugu roots

New Delhi: In a show of unity, the Opposition on Tuesday named former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice-Presidential election scheduled on September 9, describing the contest as an ‘ideological battle’ against the ruling NDA.

Nomination on August 21

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced that the Opposition will file Reddy’s nomination on August 21, adding that a joint strategy meeting of Opposition parties will be held at the Central Hall of Parliament on Wednesday.

“All members agreed this election is like an ideological battle, and we must field a candidate for it,” Kharge said, stressing that Reddy reflects the constitutional values and democratic principles now under threat.

‘Progressive and socially-conscious judgments’

Born on July 8, 1946, in Akula Mailaram village in Ranga Reddy district (united Andhra Pradesh), Justice Reddy began his legal practice in 1971 and was appointed a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1995.

He later served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2007, where he served until 2011.

Known for his progressive and socially-conscious judgments, Reddy championed access to education for disadvantaged groups, warning against exclusionary admission policies that could create a ‘social emergency.’

Judicial independence

He also played a key role in matters concerning judicial independence, notably referring the case on disclosure of judges’ assets under the RTI Act to a larger bench. He strengthened PIL guidelines, advising caution against suo motu cases based only on anonymous complaints.

Even after retirement, Reddy remained active in public causes, serving in 2022 as an oversight authority for environmental safeguards in mining-affected zones in Karnataka.

NDA’s Candidate: CP Radhakrishnan

Justice Reddy faces a direct contest with the NDA’s nominee, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, whose candidature was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda on August 12.

The Vice-Presidential election was triggered by the mid-term resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing medical reasons. His exit has fueled speculation of differences between him and the government.

NDA advantage, symbolic contest for Opposition

The Vice President is elected by an electoral college of MPs from both Houses and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. With its numerical majority in Parliament, the NDA holds a clear advantage, making Radhakrishnan’s win almost certain.

Yet, Kharge insisted that the Opposition’s participation was crucial. “Justice Reddy is pro-poor and a champion of social causes. He represents the values of our freedom struggle and the Constitution. This election is a stand for those values,” he said.

Despite the odds, the Opposition hopes the contest will highlight the larger battle over democracy, equity, and constitutional ideals, political experts said.