Is Ex-SC Judge B. Sudershan Reddy the Right Choice for VP Election?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- B. Sudershan Reddy nominated by united Opposition.
- Election set for September 9.
- Described as an ideological battle by Kharge.
- C.P. Radhakrishnan is NDA's candidate.
- VP elections follow Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The united Opposition parties have officially announced that former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy will be their candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election set for September 9. Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge characterized this election as an "ideological battle" during a press conference.
Kharge mentioned, "We will submit our nomination on August 21," while indicating that there will be a strategy meeting of the Opposition parties in the Central Hall of Parliament on Wednesday.
He stated that all members of the Opposition concur that this election resembles an "ideological battle" and emphasized the importance of fielding a candidate.
Introducing Reddy as a "pro-poor and advocate for economic and social causes", Kharge noted that Reddy embodies values rooted in the freedom struggle that underpin our Constitution and democracy.
Kharge expressed concern, stating, "Currently, these values are facing challenges, which is why the Opposition has decided to collectively engage in this ideological battle."
Reddy, who has a background in law from Andhra Pradesh and served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, was appointed as a Supreme Court judge in January 2007 and retired in July 2011.
He is set to compete against the NDA's Vice Presidential candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Maharashtra Governor, whose candidacy was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda on August 12.
The announcement coincided with an NDA meeting where PM Modi urged all Members of Parliament, including those from the Opposition, to support Radhakrishnan's candidacy unanimously.
This Vice Presidential election comes in the wake of Jagdeep Dhankhar's mid-term resignation, which he attributed to medical reasons, sparking speculation about tensions between him and the government.
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college made up of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members. Given the NDA's numerical advantage in Parliament, it is likely they will succeed in electing their preferred candidate.
Additionally, the Vice President serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the political significance of the position.