In a surprise political move, the Congress-led INDI Bloc has announced retired Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9. The announcement has caught many off guard, as there had been no prior indication that his name was even in contention.

Though he boasts an illustrious career — serving as a Supreme Court judge, Chief Justice of a High Court, and Lokayukta of a state — Justice Sudershan Reddy has largely maintained a low profile since his retirement, remaining an apolitical figure engaged mainly with intellectual circles. This makes his nomination both unexpected and strategically significant.

How did Sudershan Reddy catch the attention?

The turning point came earlier this year when Justice Reddy was appointed as the Chairman of the Independent Expert Working Group (IEWG) formed by the Congress government. 

On March 12, following the tabling of the Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste Survey (SEEEPC) findings in the Legislative Assembly, the state government constituted a high-level panel under his leadership to independently verify, analyze, and conduct a comprehensive study of the data.

After months of rigorous work, Justice Reddy and his team submitted a 300-page report to the state government on July 19. Just days later, on July 24, he, along with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and Expert Group Vice Chairman Kanche Ilaiah, traveled to New Delhi to present the findings to Congress leadership and leaders of opposition parties.

During a series of meetings, including a detailed PowerPoint presentation attended by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other senior leaders, Justice Sudershan Reddy’s analysis and observations on the caste survey stood out. According to a senior Congress leader from Telangana, his intellectual clarity, sharp insights, and impeccable track record left a lasting impression on both the Congress high command and INDI Bloc allies. This reinforced the view that he was a fitting candidate to take on the BJP-led NDA’s nominee.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has thrown his full weight behind Justice Sudershan Reddy’s candidature. In an informal interaction with the media, he stressed that the Congress and its allies would leave no stone unturned to secure support from all political parties in both Telugu states.

Dismissing suggestions of added pressure on his government due to Sudershan Reddy’s Telangana roots, Revanth emphasized that the moment called for unity. “This is the time for Telugu pride and unity,” he said, underscoring that Sudershan Reddy’s victory would be a collective achievement for people from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

From Intellectual Circles to National Spotlight Until recently, Justice Sudershan Reddy was far from the limelight, known primarily in legal and academic circles. But his role in leading the IEWG, coupled with his unblemished judicial record, appears to have catapulted him into national political relevance. 

For the INDI Bloc, his candidature represents a blend of credibility, intellectual heft, and regional pride — qualities they hope will resonate across party lines in the September 9 Vice-Presidential election.

Jab Sadak Khamosh Hai tho Sadan Awara banthi hai

Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge and Vice Presidential candidate nominated by the INDI alliance, made a compelling appeal to Members of Parliament today, urging them to vote based on merit and constitutional integrity rather than party lines.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi ahead of his official nomination filing on Thursday, Reddy emphasized that the Vice President's role is a constitutional one and should not be viewed through a political lens. 

“If you believe I am the right candidate, vote for me,” he stated, calling on MPs to exercise independent judgment.

Reddy clarified that he has no affiliations with any political party and holds no ideological bias. He described his entry into public life as transparent and sincere, asserting that his candidacy is not part of a political tug-of-war but a step toward strengthening democratic values.

He stressed the need for impartial functioning of the RS and pledged to uphold constitutional values if elected. Referencing his role in the landmark NTR episode verdict, expressed confidence that even NDA members might support him. Quoting Socialist leader Rammanohar Lohia, Justice Sudershan Reddy said,”Jab Sadak Khamosh Hai to Sadan Awara banthi hai,” and added Rahul never keeps roads silent. The INDIA bloc’s decision to nominate Reddy has made the Vice Presidential election inevitable.