New Delhi, Aug 26: The INDIA Bloc’s Vice Presidential candidate, Justice (retired) B. Sudershan Reddy, reached Lucknow on Tuesday where he was accorded a warm welcome by senior leaders of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress.
At a felicitation ceremony, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav praised Justice Reddy as the “best option in this battle for justice,” citing his commitment to the Constitution, law, rights, and democratic values. He urged MPs to vote according to their conscience in the September 9 election.
Expressing gratitude for his nomination, Justice Reddy said, “I have come to seek the support of Members of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh. The Vice President’s office is not a political post but a high constitutional responsibility.” Holding a red copy of the Constitution, he assured his adherence to its values and preamble.
Several SP MPs extended support, describing him as a non-political figure who could uphold parliamentary and constitutional traditions. MP Awadhesh Prasad said the alliance was “united” behind him, while Pushpendra Saroj stressed that the Vice President must act independently of the ruling party. Zia ur Rahman Barq voiced hope that even NDA allies would back Reddy for the sake of parliamentary propriety.
SP MPs Dharmendra Yadav, Iqra Hasan, and Afzal Ansari echoed confidence in his victory, calling him the “need of the hour” to safeguard democracy.
Justice Reddy filed his nomination papers on August 21, pledging impartiality and dignity if elected. He faces NDA nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan in a direct contest.
The Election Commission has scheduled polling for September 9, with counting the same day. The Vice President’s post fell vacant following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on health grounds.
