B Sudershan Reddy: Defending Constitution Amid Democracy’s Strain

In a powerful stance, opposition vice presidential candidate B Sudershan Reddy has declared India’s democracy is facing a “deficit” and its Constitution is “under challenge.” Speaking in an exclusive interview with PTI, the former Supreme Court judge and INDIA bloc nominee outlined his mission to protect constitutional values in the upcoming September 9 election, where he faces NDA’s C P Radhakrishnan.

Reddy, a former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, emphasized that his candidacy is not a personal contest but a clash of ideologies. “I am a liberal constitutional democrat, far removed from the RSS ideology represented by my opponent,” he said, referring to Radhakrishnan’s RSS roots. He stressed that democracy thrives on competing ideas, not individuals, and expressed regret over the fractured state of India’s polity, which he believes has eroded the once-collaborative spirit between government and opposition.

Reflecting on his unanimous selection by the INDIA bloc, Reddy called it an honor, noting that the coalition represents 63-64% of India’s population. “It reflects diversity and trust,” he said, lamenting the lack of consensus for constitutional posts. His journey, he added, continues a lifelong commitment to upholding the Constitution, a duty he upheld as a judge and now seeks to fulfill as a potential Vice President.

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Addressing parliamentary disruptions, Reddy cited former BJP leader Arun Jaitley to defend them as a form of dissent when voices are stifled, but cautioned against them becoming routine. He also responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s accusation of supporting Naxalism over the Salwa Judum verdict, urging Shah to read the 40-page Supreme Court judgment he authored. “The judgment belongs to the court, not me. Decency in debate is essential,” Reddy asserted.

On contentious issues, Reddy endorsed the caste survey to identify marginalized groups and defended the inclusion of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Constitution’s Preamble, introduced via the 42nd Amendment. He noted that even the Jana Sangh, a BJP predecessor, approved it, questioning the motives behind revisiting the debate. Reddy also rejected divisive narratives around Gandhi, Nehru, and Ambedkar, calling them “great Democrats” whose legacies should unite, not polarize, the nation.

As the election nears, Reddy’s campaign focuses on dignity and constitutional integrity, aiming to bridge divides in a polarized political landscape.

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