Sudershan Reddy, the Vice-Presidential candidate representing the INDIA bloc, emphasized his guiding values during his campaign by describing himself as a liberal and a true constitutional democrat who places his deepest trust in the Indian Constitution. In one of his campaign highlights, Reddy met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday, where he reiterated his commitment to safeguarding constitutional principles. As he prepares to contest the upcoming Vice-Presidential election on September 9 against NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan, Reddy made it clear that his priority lies in defending the democratic framework laid down by the Constitution and carrying forward his work with absolute dedication to constitutional ideals.
During an interaction with the media, Reddy stated that his focus was not on his opponent but on the dignity of the electoral process itself. He pointed out that while Radhakrishnan hailed from Tamil Nadu and he himself came from Telangana, the Vice-Presidential contest was not about personalities but about upholding the spirit of democracy. In his words, he chose not to comment on his rival candidate, stressing instead that this election would remain one of the most dignified and respectable political contests in recent times.
When elaborating on his principles, Reddy stressed that his unwavering loyalty to the Indian Constitution had shaped his entire career. He explained that throughout his journey as a judge and a public figure, his decisions and actions were guided only by the Constitution, and he pledged to continue following that same path in the future. He added that his allegiance to the Constitution was not just professional but deeply personal, making it a lifelong mission to safeguard its values.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin offered his full support to Reddy during their meeting, praising him as a staunch defender of democracy and constitutional governance. Stalin highlighted that the INDIA bloc had chosen Reddy as their candidate because he symbolized justice and integrity, qualities he had demonstrated over the last six decades of his career. As a judge, Stalin noted, Reddy had consistently acted with fairness and upheld constitutional protections, which made him a fitting candidate for the post of Vice President at a critical juncture in the nation’s political journey.
In his remarks, Stalin also addressed what he described as the present threats to India’s constitutional framework. He accused the ruling BJP of attempting to erode democratic and constitutional principles, stressing that leaders like Reddy were essential at such times to safeguard the foundations of Indian democracy. Stalin underlined that Reddy’s candidacy was not only about politics but about ensuring the survival and strength of the Constitution at a time of serious challenges.
The Chief Minister further emphasized Reddy’s rapport with Tamil Nadu, pointing out that he had always been sensitive to the state’s aspirations and concerns. Stalin cited Reddy’s past opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) as proof of his willingness to stand with the people of Tamil Nadu and respect their voices. For Stalin, this demonstrated that Reddy’s leadership would not only protect constitutional values but also address regional concerns with empathy.
While addressing the gathering, Reddy acknowledged Tamil Nadu’s achievements and expressed admiration for the state’s development model. He praised Tamil Nadu for being a leader in imagination, vision, and innovation, and noted that the state consistently set examples for others through its success in health, education, and social welfare policies. He recognized Tamil Nadu as a state that had excelled in improving its Human Development Index and described its policies as a model for the entire country.
Reflecting on his judicial career, Reddy spoke humbly about his past role. He made it clear that he did not wish to assess or boast about his judgments, stating instead that it was for society to evaluate his work and decide on the impact of his decisions. He reminded the audience that his role had always been to uphold the Constitution, and it was now up to the people to judge his contributions.
Looking forward, Reddy outlined his priorities if he were elected to the position of Vice President. He affirmed that he would dedicate himself entirely to protecting and defending the Constitution of India, working tirelessly to preserve its sanctity and ensure that its principles remained intact for future generations. He declared this commitment as his foremost responsibility and promised that he would never compromise on constitutional values.
He also stressed the importance of federalism in India’s political system, recognizing it as a pillar of democracy. Reddy acknowledged the efforts of M.K. Stalin, calling him a champion of federalism who had consistently defended states’ rights and taken on significant challenges in its defense. Reddy insisted that without federalism, the balance of Indian democracy would weaken, and he made it clear that he would actively support its strengthening if chosen as Vice President.
