Ex-Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy Named Opposition’s Pick for Vice President Race

New Delhi – In a significant political development, the Opposition alliance under the INDIA bloc has put forward retired Supreme Court Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its official nominee for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, scheduled for September 9. He will challenge CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra and a veteran BJP figure from Tamil Nadu, who is the NDA’s candidate.

Here’s a closer look at the background of Justice B Sudershan Reddy (Retd.):

1. Humble Beginnings: Born on July 8, 1946, in Akula Mylaram village of the former Ibrahimpatnam taluka, now part of Telangana’s Rangareddy district, Justice Reddy hails from a farming family background.

2. Academic and Legal Career: He earned his law degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad, in 1971 and began his legal practice in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, handling primarily writ petitions and civil cases.

3. Public Legal Service: Reddy served as a government pleader between 1988 and 1990 and was briefly appointed Additional Standing Counsel for the central government. He also advised Osmania University in a legal capacity.

4. Judicial Elevation: His judicial career took off when he was appointed a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1995. He later served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in 2005 before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India in 2007, where he served until his retirement in 2011.

5. Post-Retirement Role: In March 2013, Justice Reddy became the first Lokayukta of Goa, although he stepped down in September the same year, citing personal reasons.

The Opposition’s choice was announced at a press conference attended by senior INDIA bloc leaders. A Congress representative confirmed that Justice Reddy’s nomination was unanimously endorsed by all constituent parties.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lauded the former judge as one of the most respected and forward-thinking legal minds in the country. “He has been a bold and unwavering advocate for social, economic, and political justice. Throughout his career, Justice Reddy has stood with the underprivileged and remained fiercely committed to defending the Constitution and citizens’ fundamental rights,” said Mr. Kharge.

The Vice Presidential election was necessitated by the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, officially attributed to health issues. However, insider reports suggest ideological and strategic rifts with the BJP leadership may have contributed to his early departure.

The election schedule is as follows:

• Last date for nominations: August 21

• Scrutiny of nominations: August 22

• Last date for withdrawal: August 25

• Polling date: September 9

As the Vice Presidential race heats up, all eyes will be on how the judiciary-backed candidacy of Justice Reddy fares against the political heavyweight CP Radhakrishnan in a contest that carries both constitutional weight and symbolic resonance for India’s future political direction.