Former Supreme Court judge to contest against NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan
The Opposition INDIA bloc has officially announced former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy (retd) as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. He will face off against NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra and a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, in the election scheduled for September 9, 2025.
Justice Reddy’s early life and legal journey
Justice B Sudershan Reddy was born on July 8, 1946, into a farmer’s family in Akula Mylaram village, located in present-day Telangana’s Rangareddy district. Coming from a humble background, he pursued law at Osmania University in Hyderabad, obtaining his degree in 1971.
Soon after, he enrolled as an advocate with the Andhra Pradesh Bar Council, where he specialized in writ petitions and civil cases before the Andhra Pradesh High Court. His growing reputation in the legal fraternity opened doors to government service.
Between 1988 and 1990, he worked as a government pleader, followed by a brief tenure as Additional Standing Counsel for the central government in 1990. He also served as legal adviser and standing counsel for Osmania University.
Rise to the judiciary
Justice Reddy’s judicial career began when he was appointed a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1995. A decade later, in 2005, he became the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. In 2007, he took charge as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in 2011.
After leaving the apex court, Justice Reddy was appointed the first Lokayukta of Goa in March 2013, though he stepped down within months in September the same year, citing personal reasons.
Opposition unites behind Justice Reddy
His nomination was formally announced at a press conference attended by top leaders of the INDIA bloc. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hailed Justice Reddy as a “distinguished and progressive jurist” who consistently championed social, economic, and political justice.
“He has been a consistent and courageous defender of the Constitution, a voice for the poor, and a protector of fundamental rights,” Kharge said, emphasizing that Reddy was the unanimous choice of all Opposition partners.
According to sources, Opposition leaders believe Justice Reddy’s legal expertise and reputation for fairness will help present a strong alternative to the ruling NDA.
High-stakes Vice-Presidential election
The election, scheduled for September 9, was triggered by the sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down citing health concerns. However, political circles suggest that differences with the BJP leadership may have contributed to his early exit.
The Election Commission of India has announced the following schedule:
- August 21: Last date for submitting nominations
- August 22: Scrutiny of nominations
- August 25: Last date for withdrawal of candidature
- September 9: Election day
The contest is expected to be keenly watched as it pits a respected former judge backed by the Opposition against a veteran BJP leader trusted by the NDA. With the ruling alliance holding numerical advantage in Parliament, the election may still be a symbolic battle showcasing the Opposition’s unity.
Profile of NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan
On the other side, the NDA has fielded CP Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra and one of the most prominent BJP leaders from Tamil Nadu. Known for his strong organizational skills and longstanding loyalty to the party, he is seen as a trusted confidant of the BJP leadership.
Radhakrishnan’s candidacy underscores the NDA’s strategy of combining experience in governance with political outreach in southern India, a region where the BJP has been keen to expand its influence.
What lies ahead
As the countdown to the Vice-Presidential polls begins, political analysts suggest the election will not only decide the successor to Jagdeep Dhankhar but also reflect the Opposition bloc’s ability to rally around a consensus figure.
Whether Justice B Sudershan Reddy’s candidacy strengthens the INDIA bloc’s political narrative or whether the NDA secures another victory with CP Radhakrishnan will be decided on September 9.