In a powerful appeal ahead of the September 9 vice presidential election, Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge, urged Members of Parliament to cast their votes guided by love for the country rather than party loyalty. In a stirring 12-minute video message, the 79-year-old veteran jurist from Telangana positioned himself as a defender of India’s democratic values, calling on MPs to make the Rajya Sabha a “true temple of democracy.”

Reddy emphasized the unique nature of the vice presidential poll, where no party whip applies, and the ballot remains secret. “This is not just a vote to elect your Vice-President—it is a vote for the spirit of India itself,” he declared, urging MPs to uphold the nation’s democratic conscience. “It is not loyalty to any political party, but love for the country that must guide your choice.”

The former judge, known for landmark rulings such as declaring the Chhattisgarh government’s Salwa Judum unconstitutional and ordering probes into black-money cases, framed his candidacy as a collective mission to protect India’s democratic fabric. “India’s democracy was built on the sacrifices of our freedom fighters,” Reddy said, warning that shrinking democratic spaces and strained citizens’ rights demand urgent action. He vowed to restore dignity to parliamentary debates and safeguard the traditions of the Rajya Sabha if elected.

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Reddy’s message resonated with the Congress-led Opposition, which is projecting him as a champion of social, economic, and political justice. His distinguished career includes serving as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, and a Supreme Court judge until his retirement in 2011. Notably, Reddy led the caste survey committee in Telangana, further cementing his reputation as a principled advocate for equity.

The vice presidential race pits Reddy against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee, C P Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu, in what the Opposition describes as an ideological battle. Despite the NDA’s numerical advantage, Reddy’s appeal seeks to sway MPs by invoking a higher moral responsibility. “By entrusting me with this office, you will be choosing to defend parliamentary traditions and ensure the Rajya Sabha stands as a beacon of democracy,” he said.

Reddy’s call to action also highlighted the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and the need to nurture their vision for a robust democratic republic. “Together, let us strengthen our Republic and create a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he concluded, framing the election as a defining moment for the nation’s future.

As the campaign intensifies, Reddy’s message has sparked widespread discussion, with political analysts noting its emotional and ideological weight. The Opposition hopes his reputation as a courageous jurist and his focus on democratic values will resonate with MPs across party lines, even as the NDA remains confident in its numbers. With the election just days away, Reddy’s appeal has set the stage for a high-stakes contest that could shape the tone of India’s parliamentary discourse.

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