New Delhi: The Opposition INDIA bloc has formally announced former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its nominee for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, setting the stage for a high-profile constitutional contest. The decision, revealed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, signals the Opposition’s intent to challenge the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) both symbolically and politically in Parliament.
Justice Reddy, born on July 8, 1946, in Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh, hails from an agrarian family background. After completing his law degree from Osmania University in 1971, he rose steadily through India’s legal system. He began his career as a practicing lawyer in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, where he later served as Additional Government Pleader in 1988. His judicial journey took him to the position of Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in 2005, before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India in 2007.
During his four years on the apex court bench, until his retirement in July 2011, Justice Reddy earned a reputation as a progressive jurist known for his commitment to constitutional values. Following his retirement, he also served as Goa’s first Lokayukta, further strengthening his profile as a guardian of transparency and accountability.
By nominating Justice Reddy, the INDIA bloc has attempted to send a strong message about its emphasis on credibility, integrity, and legal acumen in public office. Leaders of the bloc underlined that his candidacy represents both a moral stance against the ruling alliance and a signal of unity within the Opposition ranks. The choice of a jurist with roots in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also carries regional significance, potentially appealing to lawmakers from southern states.
The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled to take place on September 9, 2025, following the resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. The contest will be decided by members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, where the NDA continues to hold a numerical advantage. The ruling alliance has fielded C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, as its official nominee.
While the electoral arithmetic appears tilted in the NDA’s favor, the Opposition’s decision to contest ensures the ruling bloc is not given an uncontested victory. It also places regional and independent parties in a delicate position, as they weigh their political loyalties against the appeal of supporting an eminent jurist.
Even if the INDIA bloc faces an uphill battle in terms of votes, Justice Reddy’s nomination has symbolic importance. It highlights the Opposition’s resolve to mount a credible challenge and to spotlight issues of accountability, constitutional morality, and democratic balance at the highest levels of governance. The election thus becomes more than a contest of numbers it evolves into a test of narratives between a ruling coalition projecting stability and an Opposition emphasizing ethical leadership.