New Delhi,: Opposition nominee B. Sudarshan Reddy on Thursday said the vice-presidential election is not just about an individual but about reaffirming the “idea of India” — a nation where Parliament functions with integrity, dissent is respected, and institutions serve the people independently and fairly.
A former Supreme Court judge, Reddy pledged that if elected, he would perform his duties as vice president with impartiality, dignity, and a commitment to dialogue and parliamentary decorum.
“I had the honour of filing my nomination papers today as the joint candidate of the Opposition parties, with a deep sense of humility and responsibility,” Reddy said. “My life in public service — as a Supreme Court judge, a student of law, and a citizen rooted in our democratic traditions — has shown me that India’s strength lies in respecting every individual, upholding constitutional morality, and celebrating unity in diversity.”
Reddy emphasized that the election is about reaffirming the founders’ vision of India. “The vice president, as Rajya Sabha chairperson, must safeguard the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy. If elected, I pledge to uphold this role with fairness and dignity,” he added.
He also thanked Opposition leaders for their trust and citizens for their inspiration, saying, “With faith in our Constitution and hope in our people, I embark on this journey.”
Reddy filed his nomination in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former AICC chief Rahul Gandhi, and other senior opposition leaders.
The vice-presidential electoral college comprises members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members of the Rajya Sabha. The effective strength is 781, with the majority mark set at 391.
Reddy, the first Lokayukta of Goa and a trustee at the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre in Hyderabad, was chosen as a non-political face for the second-highest constitutional post. His candidacy has turned the election into a South-versus-South contest.
The ruling NDA has nominated Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu with an RSS background, who filed his nomination on Wednesday.
