New Delhi – Former Supreme Court Judge B Sudarshan Reddy has been officially announced as the Opposition’s candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9, 2025. This strategic selection by the INDIA bloc positions B Sudarshan Reddy against the ruling NDA’s nominee, CP Radhakrishnan, in what promises to be a significant political contest reflecting the current polarization in Indian politics.
The announcement of B Sudarshan Reddy as the Opposition’s unified candidate was made by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday, emphasizing the democratic achievement of securing unanimous agreement across all opposition parties for this crucial constitutional position.
Unanimous Opposition Support for Distinguished Jurist
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the significance of selecting B Sudarshan Reddy as the Opposition’s consensus candidate, stating, “All INDIA bloc parties has decided to have a common candidate, the decision has been taken unanimously. I am happy that all opposition parties have agreed to one name. It is a big achievement for democracy.”
The selection of B Sudarshan Reddy represents a strategic choice by the Opposition, leveraging his distinguished judicial career and administrative experience to present a formidable challenge to the ruling coalition’s nominee. This unanimous decision across diverse opposition parties demonstrates the unifying potential of B Sudarshan Reddy’s candidature.
Distinguished Judicial Career and Legal Expertise
B Sudarshan Reddy, born in July 1946, brings extensive legal and judicial expertise to the Vice-Presidential contest. His distinguished career began when he enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh on December 27, 1971, marking the start of a remarkable journey through India’s legal system.
During his early career, B Sudarshan Reddy served as government pleader in the Andhra Pradesh High Court between 1988 and 1990, followed by a brief tenure as additional standing counsel for the Central government in 1990. His expertise extended to academic institutions, where he served as legal adviser and standing counsel for Osmania University.
Rapid Judicial Advancement and Supreme Court Tenure
The judicial ascent of B Sudarshan Reddy accelerated with his appointment as permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on May 2, 1995. His exceptional capabilities led to elevation as chief justice of the Gauhati High Court on December 5, 2005, before his appointment to the Supreme Court of India on January 12, 2007.
B Sudarshan Reddy served with distinction in the apex court until his retirement on July 8, 2011, contributing to landmark judgments and constitutional interpretations during his tenure. His Supreme Court experience provides substantial constitutional knowledge relevant to the Vice-Presidential role as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Administrative Experience as Goa’s First Lokayukta
Beyond his judicial career, B Sudarshan Reddy ventured into anti-corruption administration when he assumed charge as Goa’s first Lokayukta in March 2013. This pioneering role demonstrated his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance, though he stepped down within seven months citing personal reasons.
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The Lokayukta experience of B Sudarshan Reddy adds administrative dimension to his judicial background, providing practical insight into governance challenges and institutional mechanisms for addressing corruption and maladministration.
Electoral Mathematics and Political Dynamics
The Vice-Presidential election featuring B Sudarshan Reddy will be determined by an electoral college comprising members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. With the BJP-led NDA enjoying a comfortable majority in this electoral college, CP Radhakrishnan’s victory appears mathematically certain, making the Opposition’s decision to field a candidate primarily symbolic.
However, the nomination of B Sudarshan Reddy allows the Opposition to present alternative vision and values while forcing a competitive electoral process. This contest will test party loyalties and potentially influence future political calculations across party lines.
NDA’s Counter-Strategy with Radhakrishnan
The ruling coalition’s selection of 67-year-old CP Radhakrishnan, currently Maharashtra governor and hailing from Tamil Nadu, represents the NDA’s strategic response to potential Opposition challenges. As a seasoned BJP leader, Radhakrishnan brings extensive political experience and regional representation to counter the judicial credentials of B Sudarshan Reddy.
The NDA’s Parliamentary Board, including party president JP Nadda, union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Sarbanand Sonowal, former Karnataka chief minister BS Yedyurappa, and other senior leaders, unanimously endorsed Radhakrishnan’s candidature against B Sudarshan Reddy.
Electoral Timeline and Constitutional Significance
The Vice-Presidential election featuring B Sudarshan Reddy will conclude on September 9, with the nomination filing deadline set for August 21. This constitutional position became vacant after incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on July 21, citing health concerns.
The contest between B Sudarshan Reddy and CP Radhakrishnan represents more than candidate selection; it embodies competing visions of constitutional governance, judicial independence, and political leadership in contemporary India.
Democratic Process and Future Implications
Despite mathematical disadvantages, the Opposition’s decision to nominate B Sudarshan Reddy reinforces democratic principles by ensuring competitive elections for constitutional positions. This approach demonstrates commitment to democratic processes while highlighting alternative leadership qualities and governance philosophies.
The electoral battle featuring B Sudarshan Reddy will test opposition unity, provide platform for articulating alternative policy visions, and potentially influence public discourse on constitutional values, judicial independence, and governance standards. Regardless of electoral outcome, this contest enriches democratic dialogue and reinforces competitive political culture essential for healthy democracy.
The selection of B Sudarshan Reddy ultimately represents the Opposition’s confidence in presenting distinguished judicial expertise against political experience, setting stage for meaningful constitutional debate during the September election campaign.
