Former SC Judge Sudershan Reddy Takes on NDA’s C.P. Radhakrishnan in 2025 Vice Presidential Race

Fast Summary

• Retired supreme court Justice B. Sudershan Reddy has been nominated by the INDIA bloc as its joint candidate for the upcoming Vice-President elections in india.
• Opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, announced this decision unanimously during a press conference in New Delhi on August 19, 2025.
• Justice (Retd.) Reddy has previously served as a Supreme court judge (2007-2011), Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, and Goa’s first Lokayukta (a role he resigned from after seven months).
• He is recognized for his landmark judgments in criminal jurisprudence, constitutional law, taxation, service law, and human rights. Kharge described him as “a consistent and brave champion of social justice.”
• The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP),though not part of the INDIA bloc,reportedly supports his nomination.
• The ruling NDA alliance has fielded Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice-President elections scheduled on september 9; the last date to file nominations is August 21.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The nomination of Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy by the INDIA bloc positions this Vice-Presidential election as an ideological contest between differing visions of governance in contemporary India. By selecting a former judge known for his judicial acumen and advocacy for social justice principles, the opposition seems to be emphasizing issues like constitutional integrity and equity across societal strata.

The stated unity among opposition parties highlights their intent to present a consolidated challenge to the ruling NDA’s dominance ahead of key elections next year. Support from external platforms like AAP adds further weight to their campaign narrative but also raises potential questions about coalition cohesion beyond immediate electoral goals.

Conversely, with two widely contrasting candidates-one rooted in legal jurisprudence and another with gubernatorial administrative credentials-the outcome may underscore which direction India seeks from its leadership trajectory post-election cycle.

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