VP’s office above partisan politics: INDIA bloc nominee

Guwahati: INDIA bloc’s vice-presidential candidate B Sudershan Reddy on Friday underscored the constitutional sanctity of the Vice President’s office, asserting that it must remain above partisan politics.“It is not a simple political institution. The qualities required are akin to those of a judge — impartial, reasonable, and fair,” Reddy said during his visit to Guwahati on Friday.A former chief justice of the Gauhati High Court, Reddy emphasised that the Vice President’s role demands constitutional integrity, not political manoeuvring. He declined to comment on former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar’s resignation, but reiterated that the office is a “high constitutional body.”Touching on electoral reforms, Reddy reflected on India’s democratic foundations, noting that electoral roll drafting began in 1947, even before the Constitution was finalised. He praised the universal adult franchise, citing consensus between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and warned against any attempt to exclude individuals based on caste, religion, or gender.“The electoral roll is the only document that doesn’t speak of caste or community,” he said, while refraining from commenting on the special revision of rolls, citing its pending status in the Supreme Court.

On his candidacy, Reddy expressed confidence, stating that the electoral college of MPs votes independently and cannot be bound by party whips. He claimed strong support from AAP, independent MPs, and members of civil society, culture, and academia.Returning to Assam, which he called his ‘karmabhoomi’, Reddy said he was honoured to be in the land of Maa Kamakhya on Teachers’ Day, marking his campaign with symbolism and constitutional clarity.