Chandrababu Naidu’s political party has formally extended its backing to the ruling alliance’s nominee for the post of Vice President. Despite this, Sudershan Reddy remarked that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s career has been marked by numerous unpredictable shifts and unexpected political maneuvers.
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, who is contesting as the Opposition’s vice-presidential candidate, on Saturday praised TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, describing him as “one of the tallest leaders in the country.” He expressed his confidence that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister would ultimately make a choice that aligned with the broader national interest.
Naidu, the head of the Telugu Desam Party, which plays a crucial role as an ally of the NDA, has already declared his support for the ruling bloc’s nominee, Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan. Nonetheless, Reddy emphasized that Naidu’s long political journey had often produced sudden changes and unexpected decisions that significantly influenced the Indian political landscape.
“Chandrababu Naidu is a visionary leader, unquestionably one of the tallest leaders in the nation, and he is fully aware of the steps that need to be taken. I am confident that he will make a decision that safeguards national interests. He has demonstrated such judgment many times before. Over the years, he has introduced several unexpected twists and turns that reshaped India’s political horizon,” Reddy stated during an interview with India Today TV.
He further disclosed that he was actively engaged in discussions with a number of parties that were not directly associated with either the NDA or the INDIA bloc. According to him, “Talks are still underway with such parties, and some of them are personally reaching out to me with offers of support in their own unique manner. The reason is simple—I am not affiliated with any political party.”
The former Supreme Court judge went on to argue that the Opposition coalition, which has put forward his candidacy, actually represents the majority of India’s citizens. He elaborated by saying, “The opposition in this country collectively speaks for nearly 66 to 67 percent of the population. This essentially makes me a candidate backed by the majority of Indians.”
Although he acknowledged that the NDA seemed to possess greater numerical strength at the moment, Reddy underlined that the overall difference in the electoral college remained narrow. He suggested that fluid political alliances and shifting loyalties could potentially alter the eventual outcome of the contest.
“My association with the Constitution began in 1971 when I joined the bar and swore an oath in its name. Later, as a judge and eventually as Chief Justice, I once again pledged to uphold it. The position I now aspire to is a continuation of that same journey. To my mind, the office of Vice President should never be seen as a political role—it is a high constitutional responsibility,” he said in his conversation with India Today TV.
