BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
The capital city of Uttar Pradesh buzzed with anticipation as INDIA Alliance’s Vice Presidential candidate, B. Sudarshan Reddy, arrived today. Greeted at the airport by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai, and Congress Legislature Party Leader Aradhana Mishra Mona, Reddy’s visit marked a significant moment in the lead-up to the Vice Presidential election. The warm reception continued at the Congress headquarters, where party workers and MPs gathered to honor the former judge, whose candidacy has sparked widespread discussion about justice and constitutional integrity.
From the Congress office, Reddy, accompanied by Shyamlal Pal, Pramod Tiwari, Ajay Rai, and Aradhana Mishra Mona, proceeded to the Samajwadi Party (SP) office. There, SP National President and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav extended a heartfelt welcome. The camaraderie among the opposition leaders underscored the unity of the INDIA Alliance in supporting Reddy’s candidacy for one of India’s highest constitutional offices.
During a press conference at the SP office, Reddy articulated his vision with clarity and conviction. “I am a candidate not for a political post, but for a constitutional position,” he declared, emphasizing the non-political nature of the Vice President’s office. Drawing from his extensive judicial experience, Reddy positioned himself as a candidate rooted in constitutional values, appealing to “all justice-loving members” to support his bid. His call for unity transcended party lines, urging lawmakers to vote according to their conscience.
Reddy’s remarks on the judiciary were particularly striking. Addressing concerns about the institution’s credibility, he stated, “If questions are being raised on the judiciary, I believe there is a dire need for deep introspection within the judiciary.” This bold assertion resonated with many who have questioned recent judicial decisions, positioning Reddy as a voice for accountability and reform. His comments reflect a growing sentiment that the judiciary must uphold its independence and integrity to maintain public trust.
Reflecting on his journey, Reddy paid tribute to the Samajwadi Party and its leader, Akhilesh Yadav, crediting their support for his candidacy. “If I am standing here today, it is due in large part to the strong support of Akhilesh Yadav,” he said. He also acknowledged the influence of socialist icons like Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Mulayam Singh Yadav, whose ideals have shaped his worldview despite his limited proficiency in Hindi.
Akhilesh Yadav, in his address, hailed Reddy as the ideal candidate for the current times. “Given the circumstances in which this election is happening, there could be no better option than a judge,” he said, emphasizing the INDIA Alliance’s commitment to justice. The presence of prominent leaders like Shivpal Yadav, Rajendra Chaudhary, and Congress representatives underscored the coalition’s unified front. Reddy’s candidacy is more than a political contest; it is a stand for principles. “This is not about winning or losing, but about principles,” he said, expressing hope that a conscience-driven vote would lead to a historic victory. As Lucknow reverberates with his message, Reddy’s call for judicial introspection and constitutional integrity sets the tone for a pivotal election.
