The BRICS TimesIn the Vice-Presidential election, INDIA alliance nominee Sudarshan Reddy has appealed to Members of Parliament to rise above party politics and cast their votes in the interest of the nation. He described this election as a vote for the soul of India and urged MPs to take a thoughtful decision.
Sudarshan Reddy, the Vice-Presidential candidate of the opposition INDIA alliance, made an emotional appeal to lawmakers on Sunday, requesting them to cast their vote in the upcoming election with wisdom and conscience, setting aside narrow party lines for the larger good of the country. In a video message shared through the official handle of the Congress party on platform X, the former Supreme Court judge directly addressed Members of Parliament, saying, “Honourable members… the election for the Vice-President’s office will take place within the next two to three days. I humbly request all of you to vote thoughtfully and place the nation’s interest above party interest.”
Expressing faith in the judgment of MPs, Reddy added, “I firmly believe that whatever decision you take will not be for my personal interest or yours, but for the benefit of the nation. I am prepared to accept your decision with humility.”
Going beyond the boundaries of a constitutional formality, Reddy described the election as something far more profound. “This is not just a vote for the office of Vice-President; this is a vote for the soul of India,” he emphasized, highlighting the deeper meaning attached to this moment.
Reminding parliamentarians of their constitutional duty, he said, “Protecting the nation is the responsibility of us all, but as Members of Parliament, your responsibility becomes even greater.”
Bringing his appeal to a close, Reddy urged MPs to act collectively to preserve India’s democratic fabric. “Let us work together to strengthen our Republic and build a legacy that future generations will take pride in. Now, the people of India await your decision,” he remarked.
Reddy underlined that his decades of experience in public service had given him a deep understanding of both the spirit and functioning of democracy. This, he said, equipped him to serve as a fair and dignified guardian of parliamentary traditions.
Making a solemn pledge to MPs, Reddy recalled the words of India’s first Prime Minister. “Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once said, ‘The strongest bond of unity is our common love for our country.’ This sentiment has guided me throughout my journey and continues to inspire me to serve as a neutral custodian of our democracy.”
He further noted that the Vice-President, in the role of Rajya Sabha Chairperson, must embody balance, wisdom, and impartiality—values he claimed to have upheld by respecting voices across party lines. If elected, he promised to ensure that the Upper House becomes a genuine platform for rational debate and constructive dialogue.
The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9. Last month, the INDIA alliance named Sudarshan Reddy as their joint candidate, while the ruling NDA has fielded Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan for the post.
Akshay Didwaniya
