As the final day for the nomination filing of vice-presidential candidates concludes, a significant choice is presented to the nation. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated C.P. Radhakrishnan, a figure with a lifetime dedicated to public service and administrative excellence. In contrast, the I.N.D.I Alliance has put forth B. Sudershan Reddy, a distinguished jurist. This contest is not merely a political race but a battle between two fundamentally different visions for the office: one built on unwavering grassroots governance and the other on legal erudition.
Proven Administrator: C.P. Radhakrishnan
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, C.P. Radhakrishnan began his political journey early, becoming an RSS Swayamsevak and a member of the Bharatiya Janasangh’s state executive committee at just 17. In his youth, he was also a college champion in table tennis and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He underscores the value it places on steadfast service and proven administrative capability. With a career spanning over four decades, his journey began as an RSS Swayamsevak and led him to become a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore (1998-1999 and 1999-2004). This background gives him a deep-seated understanding of public life and a strong nationalist ethos.
His administrative achievements speak for themselves. As Chairman of the Coir Board, he presided over a period of unprecedented growth, with India’s coir exports reaching a record-high of ₹2,532 crore. His gubernatorial tenures further highlight his hands-on approach; as Lt Governer of Puducherry and Governor of Jharkhand, he visited all 24 districts within his first four months. His current role as Governor of Maharashtra is a continuation of this diligent public service. When praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Radhakrishnan was hailed for his dedication, humility, and intellect, and his own words as a public servant have consistently reflected a proactive vision focused on community service and the empowerment of the marginalized.
The Jurist: B. Sudershan Reddy
Sri B. Sudershan Reddy was born on July 8, 1946, in Akula Mylaram, a village in the Ranga Reddy district of what is now Telangana. He comes from an agricultural family and earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Osmania University in 1971. He is widely acknowledged as a “distinguished and progressive jurist whose judgments have been celebrated for their focus on social, economic, and political justice, and for protecting fundamental rights.
The office of the Vice President is meant to symbolise impartiality and integrity. The nomination of Balkrishna Sudershan Reddy by the I.N.D.I. Alliance has raised concerns among some, who view him not as a neutral statesman but as a figure with strong ties to the Congress and Communist parties. His past associations and judicial record are cited as evidence of an alignment with left ideologies. Specifically, his judgment in the Nandini Sundar v. State of Chhattisgarh case, where his bench ruled the state-sponsored Salwa Judum militia unconstitutional, is viewed by some as undermining the fight against Naxalism and supporting a specific agenda.
As the contest draws to a close, it is clear that the fight for India’s Vice-Presidential office is no ordinary election. It’s a strategic battle that has transcended the initial ideological divide between administrative excellence and legal erudition. Given the numerical strength of the National Democratic Alliance in the electoral college, its candidate is widely expected to be a step ahead. However, the campaign has recently taken an interesting turn, with the NDA reaching out to the DMK for support, a move that places the Tamil party in a complex position given its long-standing opposition to the ruling alliance. Simultaneously, the I.N.D.I. Alliance has sought backing from the TDP, hoping to leverage the regional identity of its candidate to secure a victory. With these new political alignments and appeals, the outcome remains a subject of intense speculation. In a matter of a few days, the nation will have its new Vice-President, an individual who will either bring a wealth of administrative experience or a profound legal perspective to the high office.