Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 20: The race for the Vice-President’s post has turned into more than a routine constitutional event — it has become, in the words of Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, “an ideological battle for the soul of the nation.”
Addressing a gathering of Opposition leaders at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament), Kharge formally introduced former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as the joint Opposition nominee for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. Flanked by senior leaders across party lines, Kharge described the nomination as a bold stand for constitutional values, pluralism, and justice — and a direct counter to what he called the ruling party’s "majoritarian path."
“This election is about more than choosing a Vice-President. It’s about reaffirming our commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and the Constitution,” Kharge declared, making it clear that Justice Reddy represents not just an individual candidacy, but a broader pushback against the government’s alleged misuse of power and disregard for democratic norms.
Justice Reddy, widely respected in the legal fraternity, is known for a string of landmark judgments and a career shaped by a commitment to social and political equality. His name, Kharge said, was chosen with "great pride and conviction" — symbolising resistance to the ideological leanings of the ruling party and its alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Kharge’s speech was not short on sharp criticism of the Modi-led government. He accused it of misusing parliamentary procedures, bulldozing legislation without debate, and deploying agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI to stifle dissent. He pointed to recent sessions — including the Monsoon Session — as examples where bills were rushed through without opposition input, branding it a "black chapter" in India’s legislative history.
He warned that the very dignity and impartiality of the Rajya Sabha was under threat. “The role of the Vice-President is not just ceremonial — it’s about safeguarding parliamentary values. Justice Reddy has the integrity, wisdom, and impartiality required to restore that dignity,” Kharge asserted, drawing parallels with historic figures like Dr S. Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice-President.
Switching to Hindi to emphasise his point, Kharge accused the ruling party of consistent obstruction, even while lacking a clear majority in the Upper House. He said the Opposition’s voice has been deliberately muted, and the Speaker’s conduct has increasingly tilted in favour of the treasury benches — undermining democratic debate.
The Congress chief called upon all Members of Parliament, across party lines, to support Justice Reddy's bid as a statement of intent — to restore fairness, protect constitutional integrity, and recommit to democratic values that have come under sustained attack.
“This election isn’t just between two candidates — it’s between two competing visions of India’s future. One seeks to centralise power and silence dissent; the other upholds justice, compassion, and equality,” Kharge said, framing the choice in moral and political terms.
With the Vice-Presidential polls drawing closer, Justice Reddy's nomination is shaping up to be a rallying point for a united Opposition, and a litmus test for India's democratic resilience.