Vice President’s post above politics, says INDIA Bloc candidate B. Sudarshan Reddy in Guwahati

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 5, 2025

Opposition INDIA bloc’s Vice Presidential candidate and former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, B. Sudarshan Reddy, on Friday asserted that the office of the Vice President of India must be seen as a high constitutional position and not reduced to a political institution.

Addressing the media during his visit to Guwahati, Reddy said, “The Vice President’s position cannot be viewed as a mere political office. The qualities required for this chair are akin to those of a judge — impartiality, rationality, fairness in speech, action and conduct. That is my perspective on this responsibility.”

Asked about the resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar before the completion of his tenure, Reddy avoided personal remarks but reiterated that the office “can never, under any circumstances, be reduced to a mere political institution.”

On the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), Reddy stressed that it is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for ensuring free and fair elections. He reminded that in India, the right to vote was granted before the concept of citizenship was fully framed. “The revision of electoral rolls began in September 1947. By 1948, the principle of universal adult suffrage was adopted. Even Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite their differences, agreed that universal adult franchise was essential,” he noted.

He emphasised that no citizen should be excluded from the electoral process on grounds of caste, religion, gender, community, or belief. “The electoral roll is the only document in India that does not record caste, community, or religion. Preparing an error-free voter list is the Commission’s constitutional duty,” he said. However, he declined to comment on the current revision of electoral rolls, citing that the matter is before the Supreme Court.

Discussing his own prospects, Reddy pointed out that the Vice Presidential election is decided by Members of Parliament from both Houses and not dictated by party lines. “Given the support I have received from parliamentarians, the media, civil society, intellectuals, and eminent cultural personalities, I am confident of my victory. I do not see the need to count NDA and Opposition votes separately,” he remarked.

Reddy added that within a day of his candidature being announced, several parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and independent MPs, pledged unconditional support.

Reflecting on his return to Assam, he expressed gratitude for being back in the state where he once served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. He also noted the symbolic importance of the day. “It is an honour to be back in the sacred land of Maa Kamakhya. Moreover, today is Teachers’ Day, the birth anniversary of former Vice President and later President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. This day holds a special significance for me,” Reddy added.