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Vice President Election 2025: Why did Surdarshan Reddy become the opposition's choice against CP Radhakrishnan in Vice President Election?
The Vice President Election 2025 in India is heading towards an interesting contest. This time two big names are face to face in the fray - Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan and former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy.
The India Alliance has posed a new challenge to the BJP and NDA by declaring retired judge Surdarshan Reddy as its candidate. At the same time, the NDA has expressed confidence in CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate.
Why was Surdarshan Reddy chosen?
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the name of Sudarshan Reddy was unanimously approved in the India Block meeting. The opposition wanted a non-political and prestigious name to come forward for this post, which would send a positive message among the public.
Also, the opposition is also looking at this election as "South vs South" as both the candidates belong to South India.
South vs South: Political equation
This time a unique picture is being seen in the election. NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan comes from Tamil Nadu, while India Block has fielded Justice Surdarshan Reddy from Andhra Pradesh.
That is, the contest is completely between the leaders and personalities of South India. This is the reason why it is being called a "South vs South" battle.
Surdarshan Reddy's career
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Born: Rangareddy district of Andhra Pradesh
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Profession: Lawyer, later Judge
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1995: Appointed Judge in Andhra Pradesh High Court
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2005: Became Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court
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2007: Became Supreme Court Judge
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2011: Retired
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After this, served as the first Lokayukta of Goa
His long experience in the judiciary makes him a strong candidate.
Opposition's strategy and BJP's difficulty
The opposition believes that by fielding Surdarshan Reddy in the Vice President Election, they will challenge the comfortable victory of BJP.
This decision can put South Indian parties like Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSRCP in a dilemma.
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TDP: N. Chandrababu Naidu's party has already announced to support the NDA candidate. But now rejecting the local candidate Surdarshan Reddy can become a cause of political pressure for them.
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DMK: BJP has already put pressure on DMK regarding Tamil pride, but DMK made it clear that it will decide from a political point of view, not on the basis of language.
Voting and election process
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Last date for nomination: 21 August 2025
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Last date for withdrawal of nomination: 25 August 2025
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Voting and result: On 9 September 2025
All the MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will vote in the election. There are a total of 782 voting members and at least 392 votes are required to win.
Who has the edge?
The NDA has 293 seats in the Lok Sabha and 133 seats in the Rajya Sabha.
That is, numerically, CP Radhakrishnan's victory is almost certain.
But if some MPs lean towards the opposition, then the contest can be interesting.
Significance of the election
Even though the BJP has an edge, Surdarshan Reddy Vice President Election has given the opposition a chance to show unity.
This election is not limited to a mere constitutional post, but the opposition is presenting it as an ideological struggle and a political message among the people.
Conclusion
Surdarshan Reddy Vice President Election 2025 is no longer just a battle for power, but has become an interesting battle of South vs South.
While the NDA is relying on its strong numbers, the opposition wants to gain a moral edge by presenting the non-political and respectable image of its candidate before the public.
On September 9, it will be decided who will be the next Vice President of the country - veteran judge Surdarshan Reddy or BJP-backed leader CP Radhakrishnan.