Reddy endorsed for VP; JPC reviewing amendment, SP backs him

Lucknow

Justice B. Sudershan Reddy (retd), the INDIA bloc’s candidate for Vice President, began his Uttar Pradesh campaign on Tuesday, receiving a warm welcome from Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders. During his visit, Reddy emphasized that the Vice President’s role should remain above political affiliations.

Speaking at the SP state office in Lucknow, he said, I stand with constitutional values. The Vice President is not a political post; it is a constitutional responsibility. He highlighted the legacy of previous Vice Presidents like Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. Zakir Hussain, K.R. Narayanan, and Hamid Ansari, promising to uphold the same standards.

Reddy praised the SP and recalled the influence of socialist leaders such as Ram Manohar Lohia. Coming from South India, we are reaching out to Hindi-speaking people. Support from several parties beyond the INDIA bloc has been possible because of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. I also met Arvind Kejriwal and appeal to all parties to back us, he added.

On queries regarding the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, he noted that a Joint Parliamentary Committee is examining it. Regarding institutional concerns, he said, We need to revisit and strengthen them to ensure they uphold their core values.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav strongly endorsed Reddy, stating, Those who support justice should vote for B. Sudershan Reddy. There is no better candidate for the fight for social justice, while criticizing the BJP for attempting to politicize the Vice President’s office.

Later, Reddy and Yadav held meetings with SP and Congress MPs at Hotel Taj. The Vice Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, where Reddy will contest against the BJP-led NDA candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan.