Sudershan Reddy is a democrat, not a Naxal sympathiser: Jeevan Reddy

Senior Congress leader T. Jeevan Reddy condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s allegations that INDIA bloc’s Vice-Presidential candidate, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, had ‘supported’ Naxalism. He termed the charge ‘baseless and objectionable’ and said it was an attempt to malign the candidature of Justice (Retd.) Sudershan Reddy in the upcoming Vice-Presidential election.

Speaking to the media at Gandhi Bhavan here, the former minister said the growing support for the INDIA alliance candidate has left the BJP leaders worried and angry. He expressed concern that instead of engaging in democratic debate, the BJP leaders are resorting to branding Sudershan Reddy as a ‘Naxal sympathiser’.

Dismissing the charge, Mr. Jeevan Reddy said Mr. Sudershan Reddy is a democrat committed to constitutional values and socialist ideals, and had always upheld the principle that ‘violence is not the answer to violence’. He described him as a leader with progressive and secular outlook who stands firmly against extremism.

Mr. Sudershan Reddy has the backing of not just the Congress but also of leaders across the alliance, he said.

Mr. Jeevan Reddy urged all parties that value democratic principles to extend their support and ensure the victory of the alliance nominee. “Congress has always been at the forefront in opposing extremism, and Mr. Sudershan Reddy’s candidature reflects the party’s commitment to that path,” he said.