Opposition Calls VP Poll a Battle for Ideology, Not Just Numbers — INDIA Bloc Fields Ex-SC Judge B. Sudarshan Reddy
The upcoming Vice Presidential election in India is shaping up to be more than just a contest of numbers. While the ruling NDA (National Democratic Alliance) holds a clear numerical advantage in Parliament, the opposition INDIA bloc is framing the contest as a symbolic and ideological battle.
Despite lacking the numbers to win, the INDIA alliance has nominated retired Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy as its candidate. For them, this election is not merely about arithmetic — it’s about defending constitutional values and making a political statement.
In a joint statement, the INDIA bloc declared, “This is an ideological battle. Justice Reddy represents the values that shaped India’s freedom movement.”
Why the Opposition Is Contesting Anyway
Senior opposition leaders explained that not contesting would be tantamount to handing victory to the NDA on a silver platter. As one source put it:
“Even if we know the numbers, we are sending a message — resistance is necessary in a democracy, not surrender.”
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said:
“The country still doesn’t know why Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned… On one side, we are fighting for constitutional rights. The country is facing major ideological challenges — and we are fighting to save the Constitution.”
A United Front Against the BJP’s RSS-Backed Candidate
DMK MP Kanimozhi emphasized that the opposition has united against the BJP candidate, who reportedly has an RSS background.
“This is an ideological contest. Just because your (BJP’s) candidate is from Tamil Nadu doesn’t mean you care about Tamil Nadu, its language, or its values.”
Other MPs echoed the same sentiment:
- Congress MP Syed Nasir Hussain highlighted Justice Reddy’s credentials:
“He served as Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court and later as a Supreme Court judge. He has fought for constitutional values and social justice.”
- SP MP Dharmendra Yadav called the election “a great fight to save the Constitution,” expressing confidence in the INDIA bloc’s unity.
- Congress MP K. Suresh added:
“All opposition members agreed on B. Sudarshan Reddy’s name. His record is strong. He is well-suited for the role of Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.”
- IUML leader Mohammad Bashir said:
“We are proud and happy to have such a candidate. All parties supported his name unanimously.”
- DMK MP T. Shiva told ANI:
“Every political party thoroughly examined every aspect before choosing him.”
The announcement also received support from the YSR Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, further strengthening the symbolic front against the BJP.
The Larger Message: A Battle for the Soul of Indian Democracy
Though victory may not be within numerical reach, the INDIA bloc’s stand is clear: this election is a political and ideological resistance to the ruling establishment’s narrative — a stand for constitutionalism, pluralism, and democratic values.
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