New Delhi, August 19, 2025 – The Opposition INDIA Bloc on Tuesday announced retired Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its unanimous choice for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest against the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra.
The declaration was made after a high-level meeting of opposition leaders in the national capital, where consensus was reached without dissent. Addressing the media, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described Justice Reddy as “one of India’s most distinguished and progressive jurists,” whose career was defined by his commitment to justice, equity, and constitutional values.
A Distinguished Legal Journey
Born on July 8, 1946, in Akula Mylaram village (present-day Kandukur Mandal, Telangana), Justice Reddy rose from modest rural beginnings to occupy some of the highest positions in India’s judiciary. After completing his BA and LLB, he began his legal practice on December 27, 1971, at the Andhra Pradesh High Court in Hyderabad, where he specialized in writ and civil matters.
His first stint in public service came when he served as Government Pleader for the State of Andhra Pradesh (1988–1990), followed by a brief period as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government. His judicial career commenced with his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1991, later becoming a Permanent Judge in 1993.
In January 2005, he was elevated as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, before being appointed to the Supreme Court of India in January 2007. During his four-and-a-half years on the apex court bench, Justice Reddy presided over several landmark cases relating to land reforms, environmental protection, and human rights. He retired on July 8, 2011, leaving behind a strong judicial legacy rooted in social and constitutional justice.
Continuing Public Service
After retirement, Justice Reddy served as the first Lokayukta of Goa, where he was widely appreciated for strengthening the state’s anti-corruption framework and promoting transparency in governance. His clean image and pro-people judgments have made him a respected figure across the political spectrum.
INDIA Bloc’s Calculated Move
The INDIA alliance’s decision to field a retired Supreme Court judge is seen as both a symbolic and strategic move. By projecting Justice Reddy, the opposition hopes to bring focus on justice, constitutional values, and the protection of democratic institutions—a theme that has been central to its narrative against the NDA.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hailed the nomination on social media platform X, calling Justice Reddy a “distinguished jurist and courageous voice.” Leaders from other parties, including Bhupen Kumar Borah, President of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, also welcomed the choice, describing it as a demonstration of the bloc’s unity.
Shortly after the announcement, Justice Reddy himself made a rare political appeal, stating: “I appeal to all parties to support me in this crucial election.”
The Road Ahead
The Vice-Presidential election, scheduled for September 9, will be conducted by an electoral college comprising members of both houses of Parliament. Although the NDA holds a numerical advantage, opposition leaders argue that Justice Reddy’s candidature carries moral weight and represents a battle of principles rather than just numbers.
Political analysts view this contest as an opportunity for the INDIA Bloc to consolidate its unity and amplify its message on constitutional integrity. While the NDA remains confident of victory, the opposition is expected to mount a spirited campaign that could turn the election into a symbolic referendum on the state of democracy in India.
As the campaign heats up, the face-off between Justice B. Sudershan Reddy and C. P. Radhakrishnan is set to become a closely watched episode in India’s political calendar, underscoring the deepening ideological divide between the two major political coalitions.
