Opposition parties have united to back former Supreme Court Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as Vice-Presidential candidate. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the election an ideological battle to defend democracy and constitutional values, accusing the ruling party of eroding institutions and parliamentary traditions.
In a striking demonstration of unity, Opposition parties have rallied behind former Supreme Court Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, announcing his candidature for the Vice-President of India. The move, Opposition leaders assert, is not simply about filling a constitutional office but represents an ideological battle for India’s democratic values and constitutional principles.
Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, formally introduced Justice Reddy to leaders of various Opposition parties at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament). Describing the nomination as one made with “great pride and conviction,” Kharge declared that Reddy’s candidacy stands as a powerful response to what the Opposition characterises as the ruling party’s erosion of democratic norms and institutions.
“This Vice-Presidential election is not just about choosing a candidate—it is about safeguarding the soul of the nation,” Kharge said, underscoring the larger ideological stakes. He argued that while the ruling party has embraced the politics of majoritarianism, the Opposition is committed to preserving justice, inclusivity, and the Constitution’s guiding values.
Justice Reddy: A symbol of resistance
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy is widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in Indian jurisprudence. His tenure in the Supreme Court was marked by landmark judgments and a firm commitment to social, economic, and political equality. By selecting him, Kharge explained, the Opposition has chosen a candidate who embodies the principles of fairness and inclusivity.
“Justice Reddy’s life’s work has been a consistent fight for equality and constitutional justice,” Kharge said, adding that his nomination represents a deliberate counter to the ideological leanings of the ruling party and its alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “This is not just about who occupies a chair; it is about reasserting the values for which our freedom fighters struggled.”
Criticism of government’s parliamentary conduct
Kharge’s remarks also highlighted what he described as a steady decline in Parliament’s functioning. He accused the government of misusing its majority to bypass debate, pushing bills through without proper discussion, and weaponising investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to intimidate dissenters.
He pointed to the Monsoon Session as a recent example, calling it a “black chapter” in parliamentary history where key legislation was passed in haste, sidelining the Opposition entirely. “In the last 11 years, this government has obstructed parliamentary work, discriminated against the Opposition, and passed anti-people laws under the guise of majority rule,” Kharge asserted.
By nominating Justice Reddy, Kharge said the Opposition seeks to restore impartiality and dignity to the Rajya Sabha, recalling the legacies of past Chairpersons like Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. As Vice-President and Chairman of the Upper House, Justice Reddy, he said, would uphold parliamentary traditions and ensure fair play in legislative processes.
A broader call to safeguard democracy
The Opposition leader further appealed to all Members of Parliament, cutting across party lines, to support Justice Reddy’s candidature. He stressed that this election is about re-establishing constitutional governance and protecting democratic discourse from further decline.
Switching to Hindi at one point to stress his concern, Kharge said, “Even with a minority government, they misuse their numbers to pass laws that hurt the people. The Speaker’s role in suppressing opposition voices has been deeply troubling.”
He urged MPs to consider Justice Reddy’s candidacy as an opportunity to send a message: that India’s democracy and Constitution cannot be undermined. “Justice Reddy’s life reflects fairness, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to empowering every citizen,” Kharge said. “These are the qualities that India urgently needs in its current political climate.”
Setting the stage for a battle of visions
As the Vice-Presidential election nears, the stakes go far beyond the selection of a presiding officer for the Rajya Sabha. For the Opposition, Justice Reddy’s candidacy symbolizes an ideological alternative to what they describe as the ruling party’s authoritarian tendencies.
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“The contest is not merely between two individuals,” Kharge concluded. “It is a battle between competing visions for India’s democratic future.”
With the announcement, the Opposition has signaled its intent to fight not just for political space, but for the constitutional ideals that define the Republic.
