Who is B Sudershan Reddy? Opposition’s Pick for Vice President Elections

The Opposition INDIA bloc has named retired Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections, scheduled for September 9, 2025. He will face the NDA’s candidate CP Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra and a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu.

Early Life and Education

Justice Reddy was born on July 8, 1946, in a farmer’s family in Akula Mylaram village of present-day Telangana. He completed his law degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad, in 1971. Soon after, he enrolled as an advocate with the Andhra Pradesh Bar Council and practiced writ and civil cases in the High Court.

Legal Career

Before becoming a judge, he served as a government pleader between 1988 and 1990. In 1990, he briefly worked as Additional Standing Counsel for the central government. He was also the legal adviser and standing counsel for Osmania University.

In 1995, he was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Later, in 2005, he became the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. Two years later, in 2007, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in 2011.

Role After Retirement

Justice Reddy was appointed as the first Lokayukta of Goa in March 2013. However, he resigned in September 2013, citing personal reasons.

Opposition’s Choice

According to senior Congress leaders, choosing Justice Reddy was a unanimous decision by all INDIA bloc parties. They believe his long legal career and clean image will strengthen their chances against the ruling alliance.

Election Schedule

• Last date for nominations: August 21

• Scrutiny of nominations: August 22

• Last date for withdrawal: August 25

• Voting day: September 9

This election comes earlier than expected due to the sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Officially, he stepped down over health concerns, but political sources suggested there were differences with the BJP leadership.