The stage is fully set for high-profile elections in India, with the opposition alliance, INDIA, nominating justice retired Supreme Court judge Sudarshan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice-Presidential election.
This announcement made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is strategic and intended at giving the race for the second-highest constitutional office in the land a competitive edge, as it will not be a one-sided affair.
NDA Bets on CP Radhakrishnan
At the same time, the ruling NDA has fielded CP Radhakrishnan, aged 68 years, Governor of Maharashtra and senior BJP leader. Radhakrishnan has had an association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and was a two-time BJP state president in Tamil Nadu, which makes him represent the deep roots into the organization of the party. His success seems to be assured because of the majority of the NDA in Parliament.
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While the INDIA bloc has managed to coalesce more than 300 Members of Parliament, however, the arithmetic remains starkly against INDIA. The alliance’s strength already exceeds 394 votes-the threshold required for victory-because, in total, 422 MPs are part of the alliance in both Houses: 293 in the Lok Sabha and 129 in the Rajya Sabha. Even if the Opposition manages to woo some support from regionals like the YSRCP or the BJD, the margin is still too wide.
Democracy in All Its Symbolism
Though the ballot is somewhat predetermined, it is not without symbolic weight that the Opposition chose Justice Reddy as a candidate for its cause. By procuring a retired SC judge, the INDIA bloc attempts to pitch this contest as that of ideals over numbers. Rather, it offers real choices to voters and Parliament and shows a willingness to challenge political dominance instead of forfeiting the seat to be contested.
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Justice Reddy, who hails from Rangareddy district in Telangana, was born in 1946. His judicial career is notable, having served as judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court and Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court before becoming a judge of the Supreme Court. The judgeship had been marked by a blend of integrity and legal acumen; he also served for a while as the first Lokayukta of Goa.
Radhakrishnan represents, however, continuity and experience in their politics. He has ruled over both Jharkhand and Maharashtra-the reflection of confidence the current establishment has in his capacity to administer.
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When will held Vice-Presidential election
The age-old Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9 would not be thrilling if it’s only based on the quantity. However, this election is essential concerning energizing the spirit of democratic competition. For most opposition, this is a venue to showcase unity and discontentment, while for the ruling NDA, it is consolidation of authority under one roof. In any case, the result hardly matters as much as the statement it makes regarding India’s democratic ethos.
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