INDIA bloc announce former SC judge B Sudarshan as Vice-Presidental candidate

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday announced former Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy as the INDI Alliance’s candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election.

On Sunday, the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) had declared Maharashtra Governor and senior BJP leader C P Radhakrishnan as its nominee for the post.

The Election Commission of India had earlier issued the notification for the Vice-Presidential election. The process of filing nominations began on August 14 and will continue until August 21. Polling and counting of votes are scheduled to take place on September 9.

With the NDA holding a majority in the electoral college, which comprises members of both Houses of Parliament, the alliance is expected to have a decisive advantage in the election.

The Vice President’s post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly resigned on July 21, citing health reasons. In his resignation letter, Dhankhar stated: “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.” His resignation came on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

INC congress taking to their Social media handle on X said that “Shri B Sudarshan Reddy Garu is one of India's most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has had a long and eminent legal career, including as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court, and Judge of the Supreme Court. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic, and political justice. His judgments reflect his commitment to the poor and vulnerable, upholding the Constitution and fundamental rights.

This Vice-Presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all opposition parties have agreed on this, which is why we’re contesting unitedly.”

The post further said that “The opposition parties have nominated Shri B Sudarshan Reddy as our joint candidate because he embodies the values that guided our country’s freedom movement and shaped our Constitution and democracy.”

Malikaarjun Kharge lastly said that “We are going to file the nomination on the 21st.”