INDIA Bloc Shocks Politics: Ex-Supreme Court Judge B. Sudarshan Reddy Named Vice-Presidential Candidate
Image via The Times Of India
New Delhi, August 20, 2025 – In a dramatic turn in Indian politics, the opposition INDIA bloc has announced former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy as its joint candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. The decision was made after a long meeting of senior leaders held at the residence of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi on Monday.
The choice of a retired Supreme Court judge, known for his clean image and deep knowledge of law, has surprised many political watchers. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, 2025, and the nomination process will close on August 21. This makes the announcement very significant, as it signals the bloc’s intention to fight the election with unity and a strong candidate.
The Leadership Huddle That Changed the Game
The INDIA bloc leadership met after weeks of discussions and back-and-forth debates. Earlier, several names were floated, including DMK-backed scientist Mylswamy Annadurai, senior DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, and even social activist Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
However, the bloc was under pressure to quickly finalize a name. With the ruling BJP-led NDA already announcing C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra and a veteran BJP leader, as their Vice-Presidential candidate, the opposition needed to respond with equal strength.
Finally, consensus emerged around Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, a man with decades of legal experience and a non-controversial public image. Leaders from Congress, DMK, RJD, TMC, Left parties, and other allies agreed that his background would send a message of seriousness and inclusiveness.
Who Is Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy?
Justice Reddy was born on July 8, 1946, in Andhra Pradesh. He studied law at Osmania University and built a strong reputation as a lawyer before joining the judiciary. His career took him to the Andhra Pradesh High Court, where he served as a judge, and later he was appointed Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court.
In 2007, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until 2011. He delivered several important judgments, particularly in cases related to constitutional law and civil liberties. After his retirement, he also served as the first Lokayukta of Goa, a position created to check corruption in the state government.
Justice Reddy is respected for his independent views and clean track record. Choosing him as a candidate brings a sense of credibility to the INDIA bloc’s campaign.
Why the INDIA Bloc Chose Him
The bloc’s decision has been described as both strategic and symbolic. By selecting a retired judge, the opposition wants to highlight issues of justice, accountability, and rule of law.
- Non-political background – Unlike many candidates, Justice Reddy has never been an active politician. This makes him acceptable to a wide audience.
- Judicial experience – His career in the Supreme Court gives him authority on constitutional matters.
- Clean image – In a time when corruption charges are common in politics, his record stands out.
- Unity factor – His neutral background helped different parties within the INDIA bloc agree quickly.
- Counter to NDA – While NDA has chosen a veteran BJP leader, the opposition has countered with a candidate from outside traditional politics.
What Leaders Said
After the announcement, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the INDIA bloc had made a unanimous decision. He praised Justice Reddy as a person of “integrity and wisdom” who could represent the values of the Constitution.
DMK leader M. K. Stalin also welcomed the decision, saying that Justice Reddy’s selection showed that the alliance valued principles over politics. Leaders of the Left parties and RJD echoed similar views, stressing that this nomination represented unity among opposition forces.
The BJP’s Candidate and the Coming Contest
On the other side, the NDA has already announced C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra and a two-time BJP MP from Tamil Nadu, as its candidate. Radhakrishnan is known as a strong RSS man and a loyal party worker.
This sets the stage for an interesting contest between two very different personalities:
- A former judge who spent his life in the judiciary.
- A politician and governor who has been in the BJP for decades.
The Vice-Presidential election is conducted by secret ballot among Members of Parliament, which means political strategies and numbers will play a huge role in the final outcome.
Election Schedule
The Election Commission of India has already released the timeline for the polls:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification issued | August 7, 2025 |
| Last date for nominations | August 21, 2025 |
| Scrutiny of nominations | August 22, 2025 |
| Withdrawal of candidature | August 24, 2025 |
| Election date | September 9, 2025 |
| Counting of votes | September 9, 2025 |
Why This Matters Nationally
The Vice-President is the second highest constitutional post in India, after the President. The Vice-President also serves as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, which makes the role very important in handling debates and law-making.
For the INDIA bloc, this election is not just about numbers. It is about sending a message to the people that the alliance can unite and put forward a candidate of dignity. For the NDA, it is a chance to maintain control over key constitutional posts.
Observers believe that the choice of Justice Reddy could help the INDIA bloc build moral ground, even if the NDA currently has stronger numbers in Parliament.