New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) B. Sudershan Reddy, the candidate representing the INDIA bloc, who is gearing up to challenge the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan in the upcoming Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9, emphasized on Wednesday that he does not have ties with any political party.

“I am not affiliated with any political party nor do I possess membership in any party,” Reddy stated.

The former Supreme Court judge, while discussing his nomination with IANS, reflected on the necessity for the second-highest constitutional position in the nation to remain non-partisan and devoid of political influences.

Justice (Retd) Sudershan Reddy was introduced as the Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during a press briefing on Tuesday, where he characterized the VP election as an “ideological battle” instead of a mere electoral competition.

Reinforcing Kharge’s statement, Reddy remarked to IANS that the Opposition parties, after thorough internal discussions, resolved that their candidate should be independent from any political party, leading to his nomination for the VP race.

“I am not affiliated with any political party. I don’t hold any membership with any political party. I identify as a liberal constitutional democrat,” he added.

Additionally, sharing his perspective on the constitutional role of the Vice President, he noted that it is essential to maintain impartiality and unbiased conduct, as the position demands the utmost levels of integrity and probity.

Opposition candidate Sudershan Reddy is set to submit his nomination for the crucial Vice-Presidential elections on Thursday. His nomination process is expected to showcase the strength and unity of the INDIA bloc parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Trinamool Congress, and others, as they aim to pose a formidable challenge to the NDA candidate, despite being at a numerical disadvantage.

Meanwhile, the NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan submitted his nomination papers in the capital on Wednesday, accompanied by leading NDA ministers, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This high-stakes contest for the Vice Presidency also has a Southern connection, as both candidates hail from Southern states. NDA candidate Radhakrishnan possesses strong Tamilian roots, while B. Sudershan comes from Andhra Pradesh.

Justice (Retd) Reddy is notably recognized for his pivotal 2011 ruling which deemed the Salwa Judum militia of Chhattisgarh unconstitutional, resulting in its disbandment in the fight against Maoist insurgency.