The Opposition’s vice-presidential candidate, B Sudarshan Reddy, met Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, Matoshree, in Mumbai on Friday to rally support for the upcoming election on September 9. Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge, was warmly received by Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai at Mumbai airport before heading to the meeting.

Thackeray assured Reddy of unwavering support from Shiv Sena (UBT) and its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies, which include the Congress and NCP (SP). He described the vice-presidential election, triggered by Jagdeep Dhankhar’s recent resignation, as an “ideological battle” against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which has nominated Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan.

Despite the NDA’s numerical advantage in the 781-member electoral college, where 391 votes are needed for victory, Thackeray expressed optimism, stating, “Miracles can happen,” and urged NDA MPs with “love for the country” to back Reddy.

Reddy acknowledged Thackeray’s pivotal role, saying, “The consensus on my candidature among the Opposition would not have been possible without Uddhav Thackeray’s backing.” The INDIA bloc, comprising opposition parties, views Reddy’s candidacy as a stand for constitutional values against the NDA’s RSS-aligned nominee.

Reddy’s legal career, including his tenure as Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court and Supreme Court judge from 2007 to 2011, bolsters his credentials as a champion of social and economic justice, according to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Also Read: B Sudershan Reddy: Defending Constitution Amid Democracy’s Strain

The meeting underscores the opposition’s strategy to consolidate support in Maharashtra, a key political battleground, as they challenge the NDA’s dominance in the high-stakes election.

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