New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) B. Sudershan Reddy, the candidate from the INDIA bloc, who is preparing to contest against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan in the upcoming Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9, stated on Wednesday that he has no ties to any political party.

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

The former Supreme Court judge, in an interview with IANS, provided insights regarding his nomination as the Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate and emphasized the necessity for the second-highest constitutional office in the nation to remain non-partisan and devoid of political interference.

Justice (Retd) Sudershan Reddy’s nomination was announced by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during a press briefing on Tuesday, where he characterized the VP election as an “ideological battle” rather than merely a political contest.

Supporting Kharge’s remarks, Reddy mentioned to IANS that after deliberations among Opposition parties, it was decided that their candidate should not have any political party affiliation, which led to his selection for the Vice-Presidential race.

“I am not tied to any political party. I lack membership in any political party. I identify as a liberal constitutional democrat,” he stated.

Further expressing his views on the Vice Presidential role, he noted the importance of maintaining impartiality and unbiased conduct, as the position calls for the highest standards of integrity and probity.

The Opposition candidate Sudershan Reddy is scheduled to submit his nomination for the critical Vice-Presidential election on Thursday. His nomination is anticipated to showcase strength and unity among the INDIA bloc parties, comprising Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Trinamool Congress, and others as they strive to pose a significant challenge to the NDA candidate, despite being outnumbered.

In the meantime, NDA nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan submitted his nomination papers in the capital on Wednesday, accompanied by prominent NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This high-stakes contest for the Vice Presidency also features a Southern connection, as both candidates are from Southern states. NDA nominee Radhakrishnan has deep Tamil roots, while B. Sudershan is from Andhra Pradesh.

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