Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc’s Vice-Presidential nominee and former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy filed his nomination on Thursday in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi.
NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and several other leaders of the alliance were also present.
After submitting his papers, Justice Reddy issued a statement, urging all to support his candidature.
Reddy said he was stepping into the political arena with “a deep sense of humility, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the values enshrined in our Constitution”.
Reflecting on his journey from the Bar to the Bench, Reddy remarked: “My life in public service — as a judge of the Supreme Court, as a student of law, and as a citizen rooted in the democratic traditions of this Republic — has taught me that the true strength of India lies in the dignity of every individual, the protection of constitutional morality, and the unity in our diversity.”
Calling the upcoming election “much larger than a contest between two individuals,” the former judge underlined that it was about reaffirming the “idea of India as envisaged by the framers of the Constitution — an India where Parliament functions with integrity, where dissent is respected, and where institutions serve the people with independence and fairness.”
He emphasised that the role of the Vice President as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha is critical to safeguarding the “highest traditions of parliamentary democracy”.
“If elected, I pledge to discharge that role with impartiality, dignity, and a steadfast commitment to dialogue and decorum,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the INDIA bloc for its support, Reddy said: “I am deeply grateful to the leaders of the Opposition parties for reposing their trust in me, and to the countless citizens who continue to inspire this collective struggle for justice, equality, and harmony. With faith in our Constitution and hope in our people, I embark on this journey. May our democratic spirit continue to guide us all.”
The Election Commission had earlier announced that polling for the Vice Presidential election would take place on September 9, with counting to take place the same day.
The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 21, citing health reasons.
(With inputs from agencies)
