Justice B Sudershan Reddy, the Opposition’s nominee for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, emphasized a respectful and ideology-driven contest, dismissing notions of a regional face-off between Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Speaking to NDTV, the retired Supreme Court judge, a native of Hyderabad, rejected framing the September 9 election as a "fight" against his NDA opponent, CP Radhakrishnan, the Maharashtra Governor and a prominent BJP leader from Tamil Nadu.

“This is not a fight. It will be a healthy, respectable, and decent contest. No personal attacks are expected. I won’t make any personal remarks, and I hope Mr. Radhakrishnan will also refrain from getting personal,” Reddy said, noting Radhakrishnan’s extensive experience as a governor of multiple states. He firmly opposed narratives pitting the two states against each other, stating, “What is this Tamil Nadu vs Telangana? We are both Indian citizens. India has no separate citizenship for states. You are setting a narrative.”

Reddy, former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court and a Supreme Court judge, responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s depiction of the election as an ideological battle. “They have been fighting an ideological war. But I am not from any party. My only party is India’s Constitution. My slogan is social justice,” he said, underscoring his lifelong commitment to constitutional values. As a lawyer and judge, Reddy said he has consistently worked to uphold the Constitution, a mission he sees as aligned with the Vice President’s role.

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The election, set to replace Jagdeep Dhankhar who resigned last month citing health concerns, will see Members of Parliament (MPs) vote without party whips, a point Reddy highlighted. “Political parties don’t vote. MPs choose the candidate after deliberation. That’s why hope is still there, and I believe the mandate will favor me,” he said, despite the BJP and its allies commanding 422 MPs, needing only 394 to secure victory. Reddy’s optimism rests on MPs’ independent judgment.

Backed by key Opposition parties like Congress, Reddy addressed their ‘Save the Constitution’ campaign, reaffirming his duty to protect it. “I have tried to save the Constitution in both the Supreme Court and High Court, as an advocate and as Chief Justice. The Vice President’s office is connected to the Constitution. I am not doing anything different,” he said.

Reddy is set to file his nomination on August 21, while Radhakrishnan submitted his on August 20. As the election approaches, Reddy’s call for a dignified contest sets the tone for a high-stakes yet principled race.

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