Why Did BJP Criticize the Opposition's V-P Candidate Announcement?

New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The selection of former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy as the candidate for the Vice-Presidential election by the united Opposition has sparked significant political discourse. The BJP criticized this move on Tuesday, labeling it as merely "opposing for opposition's sake," while the Congress and its INDIA bloc partners celebrated it as an "excellent decision" that upholds constitutional principles.

BJP MP Brijmohan Agrawal remarked to IANS that appointments to constitutional positions should ideally stem from consensus rather than conflict. He stated, "It would be preferable if there was a general agreement on nominees for significant constitutional roles such as the President and Vice President. However, in its endeavor to oppose the BJP, the Congress has begun to oppose the nation itself. C.P. Radhakrishnan is destined to be the Vice President, yet the Opposition is attempting to create division by presenting a candidate unnecessarily."

Union Minister S.P. Singh Baghel echoed these sentiments, asserting, "The Opposition is fully aware that they lack the necessary numbers. They are merely nominating candidates for the sake of opposition. This has become a habitual strategy."

Conversely, leaders from the INDIA bloc defended their choice, emphasizing Sudershan Reddy’s outstanding legal career.

CPI(M) MP P. Sandosh Kumar characterized the contest as ideological, stating, "This is a conflict between constitutional integrity and the RSS. We have nominated Sudershan Reddy in favor of the Constitution, while the BJP is supporting a candidate aligned with its ideological roots. Reddy genuinely embodies constitutional values."

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav added, "He has an exceptional reputation in the legal arena. Our coalition has made a commendable choice, and we stand united in our support for him."

Support from Congress leaders was equally robust.

Kodikunnil Suresh stated, "He has served in High Courts and the Supreme Court, consistently advocating for human rights. His judgments are widely respected, which is why all parties within the INDIA bloc endorsed his candidacy."

Syed Naseer Hussain highlighted Reddy’s extensive judicial experience, declaring, "He has served as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, as Chief Justice of the Assam High Court, and subsequently as a Supreme Court judge. He has consistently championed constitutional values and fought for social justice. This election represents an ideological struggle taking place nationwide."

IUML MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer also commended the choice, calling Reddy "a distinguished individual with a remarkable judicial history." He noted that the Opposition's unity in supporting his candidacy was "commendable and remarkable."

While the BJP-led NDA enjoys a significant majority within the electoral college, which comprises members from both Houses of Parliament, the Opposition’s initiative ensures that the election will not merely be a formality. Analysts suggest that by nominating a candidate, the INDIA bloc seeks to extend the contest beyond Parliament and underscore the ideological rift before the public.

The Vice-Presidential election is set for September 9, 2025.