The Opposition alliance, known as the INDIA bloc, has announced former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice-Presidential election in India, scheduled for September 9, 2025. Reddy will be contesting against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee, CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra.
The election follows the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Key political leaders from both sides have expressed confidence in their respective candidates, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hailing Reddy’s legal acumen, while the NDA remains optimistic about Radhakrishnan’s victory due to the ruling coalition’s parliamentary majority.
As political preparations intensify, the election highlights the democratic vibrancy and contest within the country.
Opposition Chooses a Veteran Jurist: Justice B. Sudershan Reddy
In an assertive political move, the INDIA bloc, a coalition comprising major opposition parties, has unanimously chosen Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as their Vice-Presidential candidate. Born in July 1946, Reddy’s distinguished career includes appointments as a judge in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, and subsequently as a judge of the Supreme Court of India from 2007 until his retirement in 2011.
Notably, he served as the first Lokayukta of Goa, a role emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lauded Reddy’s commitment to progressive jurisprudence and constitutional values. He described the nominee as an “eminent jurist” with a strong record of defending the rights of marginalized communities and promoting social justice.
The INDIA bloc’s decision to back a candidate with a background in law rather than active politics reflects a preference for experience, integrity, and dedication to democratic principles in this constitutional post.
Political Stakes and Election Dynamics
The Vice-Presidential election has been triggered by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation earlier this year, owing to health reasons. The electoral college, consisting of 782 members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, will cast their votes on September 9. To secure the Vice-Presidency, a candidate requires a majority of the votes.
The National Democratic Alliance, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has nominated CP Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader and former Governor of Jharkhand, as their candidate. With nearly 423 MPs associated with NDA parties, Radhakrishnan holds a numerical advantage in the electoral college. The ruling coalition is confident of securing the win, given this majority.
However, the Opposition’s decision to field Sudershan Reddy underlines the growing political polarization and their intent to put forward a credible challenge. There have been reports about possible cross-voting and attempts to sway undecided parliamentarians, making the election a closely watched political contest. The process will proceed with nominations closing on August 21, followed by scrutiny and withdrawals before the polling date.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we recognise this Vice-Presidential election as a crucial democratic exercise that underscores the strength of India’s constitutional framework. The opposition’s nomination of a distinguished jurist with a notable record on social justice reflects a commitment to values of fairness, rule of law, and protection of marginalized voices—principles vital for the health of democracy.
Political contests should inspire dialogue rooted in mutual respect, empathy, and coexistence rather than fervent partisanship and division. As citizens, it’s important to encourage conversations that transcend political rivalries and foster understanding about the duties and responsibilities entrusted to constitutional office-bearers.
This election offers an opportunity for all political stakeholders to demonstrate maturity, uphold democratic ethics, and contribute to a peaceful transition of power—as mandated by the Indian Constitution.
This Vice Presidential contest is an ideological battle.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 19, 2025
All Opposition parties have nominated Shri B. Sudershan Reddy garu as their joint candidate for the position of the Vice President of India.
Shri B. Sudershan Reddy garu is one of India’s most distinguished and… pic.twitter.com/FD98YJhJMA
