INDIA bloc's V-P candidate B Sudershan Reddy files nomination, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge accompany him

B Sudershan Reddy

Justice B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court Judge and INDIA bloc’s nominee for the Vice-Presidential election, filed his nomination on Thursday. The election is scheduled to take place on September 9.

The announcement of Justice Reddy’s candidature was made on Tuesday by Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge after a meeting of the Opposition alliance. Presenting him as the joint candidate on Wednesday, Kharge said, “This Vice-Presidential election is not just about filling a constitutional post — it is an ideological battle for the soul of the nation.”

Justice Reddy on Wednesday lauded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Interacting with reporters, B Sudershan Reddy said Rahul Gandhi doesn't allow the streets to be silent and has successfully persuaded governments to take action, such as the Telangana government conducting a systematic caste census.

Kharge accused the ruling party of pursuing a path of “majoritarianism” and contrasted it with the Opposition’s pledge to uphold justice, inclusivity, and constitutional values.

“While the ruling party has chosen the path of majoritarianism, we stand firm in our commitment to justice, inclusivity, and the Constitution,” he said while formally introducing Justice Reddy to Opposition leaders at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament).

The Congress president emphasised that the nomination of Justice Reddy symbolises a united Opposition resisting what it alleges is the government’s erosion of democratic norms.

“We announce his candidature with great pride and conviction,” Kharge said, adding that the move reflects ideological solidarity across parties.

Justice Reddy, widely respected for his landmark judgments and strong adherence to principles of social, economic, and political equality, was projected by Kharge as a figure who embodies the values of the Constitution.