Inside the Race for VP: Why B. Sudershan Reddy is Shaking Things Up

The political stage in New Delhi is heating up, and it’s all centered around the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, former Supreme Court Judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy officially threw his hat in the ring, filing his nomination as the joint candidate for the opposition's INDIA bloc. This sets up a fascinating direct contest with the NDA's nominee, C.P. Radhakrishnan, for the election slated for September 9th. It’s more than just a political race; it’s shaping up to be a battle of ideologies and a test of opposition unity.

Key Highlights

• ✓ Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court Judge, has officially filed his nomination as the INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential candidate.
• ✓ The election, scheduled for September 9, 2025, will be a direct contest against the NDA’s nominee, C.P. Radhakrishnan.
• ✓ In a significant move, AAP's Arvind Kejriwal has assured his party's full support to Reddy after a meeting with Congress and TMC leaders.
• ✓ Justice Reddy stated this election is about "reaffirming the idea of India," emphasizing parliamentary integrity and respect for dissent.
• ✓ The ruling NDA holds a clear numerical advantage in the 781-member electoral college, where 391 votes are needed for a majority.

A Unified Front at the Nomination

When Justice Reddy filed his nomination papers, it wasn't a quiet affair. It was a clear demonstration of the opposition's collective resolve. He was flanked by a who's who of political heavyweights, signaling a unified stance. Imagine the scene: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi were all there, showing the party's full backing.

But it didn't stop there. The presence of NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav, DMK’s Rajya Sabha floor leader Tiruchi Siva, and TMC’s deputy leader in Lok Sabha Satabdi Roy underscored the broad-based support for his candidacy. This gathering wasn't just for a photo-op; it was meant to send a strong message that despite their differences, the opposition parties are standing together on this crucial issue. The message was clear: this is a serious and united challenge.

AAP's Crucial Endorsement

Perhaps one of the most interesting developments was the meeting at AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal's residence. In a significant show of solidarity, top leaders from Congress and TMC accompanied Justice Reddy to meet with him. Present at this key meeting were Congress's Pramod Tiwari and Syed Naseer Hussain, along with TMC's Kalyan Banerjee. Kejriwal didn't mince words, assuring them of his party's "full support."

This is a big deal because, as we know, AAP has had a somewhat on-and-off relationship with the larger INDIA bloc. While the party has disengaged from the main alliance at times, it strategically joins hands on issues it deems important. With three MPs in the Lok Sabha and nine in the Rajya Sabha, AAP's support is not just symbolic—it adds crucial votes to the opposition's tally. Sanjay Singh from AAP was also present earlier in the day when Reddy filed his nomination, reinforcing the party's commitment.

💡 What's Interesting: After the meeting, Kejriwal praised Justice Reddy's impressive judicial career, noting he "gave many unbiased judgments in favour of the country." He then made a broader appeal, urging everyone to vote for Reddy "keeping party affiliations aside."

More Than an Election: A Fight for an Idea

Justice Reddy himself framed his candidacy in very powerful terms. In a statement released after filing his papers, he made it clear that this isn't just about winning a post. He said, with what he described as a "deep sense of humility, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution," that this election is about something much bigger. He believes it is about "reaffirming the idea of India as envisaged by our founders."

What does he mean by that? He's talking about an India where Parliament functions with integrity, where dissent is not just tolerated but respected, and where our institutions can serve the people with genuine independence and fairness. He emphasized that the country's true strength lies in protecting constitutional morality and celebrating our unity in diversity. This positions the contest not just as a political power struggle but as a referendum on the very nature of our democracy.

The Role of the Vice-President

Let's not forget the Vice-President is also the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Justice Reddy highlighted this immense responsibility, which involves safeguarding the "highest traditions of parliamentary democracy." He made a solemn pledge that, if elected, he would carry out that role with complete impartiality, dignity, and a "steadfast commitment to dialogue and decorum." Coming from a former Supreme Court judge, this promise carries significant weight and speaks directly to recent concerns about the functioning of Parliament.

Kejriwal also made a tactical appeal, noting that Justice Reddy is from Andhra Pradesh, where the NDA-allied TDP is in power. He said, "we expect parties from AP and Telangana to rise above partisan politics and vote for Telugu pride and national interest." It's a clever move to try and peel away votes by appealing to regional identity, adding another layer of political strategy to the mix.

The Numbers Game and the Road Ahead

Now, let's talk about the hard reality: the numbers. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of MPs from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. In total, there are 781 members in this electoral college. To win, a candidate needs to secure a majority, which means getting at least 391 votes. Here's the thing—the ruling NDA alliance has a "clear numerical advantage."

This is why the opposition's strategy is so focused on framing this as a moral and ideological battle. They know the math is tough, but they're hoping to make a powerful statement and potentially sway some votes. The vacancy for the Vice-Presidential post opened up after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, the first day of the Monsoon Session, citing health reasons. The Election Commission of India has already set the wheels in motion, appointing two Additional Secretary-level officers as observers to ensure the polls are conducted smoothly.

The timeline is set. Nominations were filed by August 21st, and candidates have until August 25th to withdraw. After that, it's a straight shot to polling day on September 9, 2025, with the votes being counted the very same day. So, while the opposition faces an uphill battle on paper, their choice of a respected former judge and their unified front have certainly made this a contest worth watching closely. It’s a classic case of principles versus pragmatism, and we'll soon see which prevails.

Conclusion

So, the bottom line is this: the race for the next Vice-President is officially on. With Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as their candidate, the opposition is not just putting up a fight; they're making a profound statement about democratic values and parliamentary norms. The unified front at his nomination, coupled with AAP's critical support, shows a level of coordination that makes this contest particularly noteworthy. While the NDA's numerical strength gives their candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, a clear edge, this election is being framed as a choice that goes beyond mere politics—it's about the very "idea of India."