In a significant development ahead of the upcoming vice-presidential election, the opposition INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc has nominated former Supreme Court Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its official candidate.
The announcement, made today by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, sets the stage for a high-profile contest against the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, C. P. Radhakrishnan.
Justice Reddy, a respected jurist and administrator, served on the Supreme Court of India from January 2007 until his retirement in July 2011.His reputation was further burnished when he became the first Lokayukta of Goa in 2013, underscoring his commitment to public integrity and accountability.
His nomination reflects a deliberate strategy by the INDIA bloc to present a non-partisan, judiciary-rooted figure who could unify member parties and appeal to voters seeking ethical governance. This move comes at a time when the bloc is rallying to counter the political clout of the NDA, which recently projected C. P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned administrator, as its vice-presidential contender.
Radhakrishnan, whose political portfolio spans roles such as Governor of Maharashtra and earlier tenures in Jharkhand and Telangana, brings considerable political experience and advantage to the contest .In the meanwhile Justice Reddy’s candidacy champions a legal and ethical ethos, reinforcing the INDIA bloc’s narrative around principled politics.
The vice-presidential election itself is anticipated to be closely fought. The Electoral College comprises members from both houses of Parliament—Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—whose party alignments will be decisive. The NDA, with its significant numbers, maintains a clear edge. Still, the INDIA bloc aims to leverage its coalition strength and Justice Reddy’s stature to mount a formidable challenge.
Though formal campaign remarks from Justice Reddy are yet to emerge, his longstanding judicial record and reputation for integrity suggest he will campaign—or be positioned—as a consensus candidate embodying the rule of law and democratic values.
As the election approaches, the contest between Justice B. Sudershan Reddy and C. P. Radhakrishnan will not only influence who assumes the vice-presidential office but will also signal broader political alignments and ideological positions as India heads into another phase of national discourse and governance.