The INDIA alliance on Tuesday announced former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its nominee for the Vice President of India post. The opposition bloc has chosen the respected jurist to project a non-partisan and ideologically principled candidate for the high constitutional office.

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge praised Reddy’s credentials, saying: “B. Sudershan Reddy is one of India’s most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has had a long and eminent legal career, including as judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court, and Judge of the Supreme Court. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic, and political justice. He is a poor man, and many of his judgments, if you read, will show how he favored the poor and also protected the Constitution and fundamental rights.”

Kharge further emphasized the broader significance of the nomination: “This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this. This is the reason we have nominated B. Sudershan Reddy as the joint candidate.”

Confirming the next steps, Kharge added: “He will file his nomination on August 21. Tomorrow, all opposition parties’ MPs are meeting in the Central Hall at 1 o’clock.”

TMC MP Derek O’Brien highlighted the unity within the opposition, stating: “All opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, are on board.”