Revanth Asks All TG, AP Parties to Back Telugu Bidda for VP

At a press conference on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said the candidature of Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge and son of a farmer from Telangana, should unite leaders across party lines in the larger interest of democracy and Telugu self-respect.

Revanth Reddy recalled that Telugu Desam founder N.T. Rama Rao had set an example of statesmanship in 1991 when he refrained from fielding a candidate in the Nandyal Lok Sabha byelection against then Prime Minister and Congress candidate P.V. Narasimha Rao, considering it a matter of pride that a Telugu had reached the nation’s top office.

“In the same spirit, I appeal to TD chief Chandrababu Naidu, BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao, YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, leaders of the Left parties, and even BJP MPs from both states to rise above politics and support Justice Reddy,” he said.

The Chief Minister underlined that the Opposition bloc deliberately chose a non-political person for the Vice-President’s post to reinforce the sanctity of constitutional offices. He accused the NDA of misusing institutions and eroding democratic values, contrasting it with the I.N.D.I.A. bloc’s resolve to defend the Constitution in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.

“This election is not a contest for power but a moral test. On one side is the NDA which ridicules democracy and Constitution, and on the other is the I.N.D.I.A. bloc fielding a constitutional expert who symbolses integrity and inclusiveness,” he remarked.

Revanth Reddy highlighted Justice Sudershan Reddy’s journey from a humble agrarian background in Telangana to the country’s highest judicial institutions. Having studied law at Osmania University, he went on to serve as a judge of the Supreme Court and later as Lokayukta, earning a reputation for probity and fairness.

He also chaired the expert committee on reservations in Telangana that ensured 42 per cent quota for Backward Classes, a decision which, the Chief Minister said, proved his commitment to social justice.

“If the NDA’s candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan, despite hailing from OBC category, becomes Vice-President, OBCs will suffer because the BJP has historically opposed reservations. The BJP-led government at the Centre has blocked Telangana's 42 per cent BC reservations bills for the last four months. In contrast, Justice Sudershan Reddy stands firmly with BCs and minorities,” Revanth Reddy said.

Calling upon MPs from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to vote on their conscience, the Chief Minister said supporting Justice Reddy was not just a political decision but a duty towards history. “After P.V. Narasimha Rao, this is the first time a Telugu person (from Telangana) has the opportunity to occupy such a high constitutional position. Every Telugu MP must see this as an opportunity to honour our pride,” he urged.

Revanth Reddy stated that this was not a contest between a Tamil and a Telugu candidate but a battle between those trying to weaken the Constitution and those determined to safeguard it. He said the unity shown earlier by all Telugus in securing classical language status for Telugu should now be replicated in backing Justice Reddy.

“This is a fight between democratic responsibility and authoritarian tendencies. By electing Justice Reddy, we will not only elevate a Telugu son but also protect the Constitution itself,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to the Opposition alliance for choosing a son of Telangana, Revanth Reddy said the move had brought immense pride to the people of the region. He described Justice Reddy as non-political, non-controversial and a true representative of all Indians and predicted that he could in future be considered for the highest office of President of India.

“Supporting him today will mark a triumph of unity and constitutional democracy. It is the responsibility of every Telugu leader and citizen to ensure his victory,” he said.

To a question on whether he would personally meet Chandrashekar Rao to seek his support, Revanth Reddy said he would follow the party’s directions. In a lighter vein, he remarked that it depended on whether Chandrashekar Rao gave him an appointment.

He recalled that he had visited Chandrashekar Rao when the latter was hospitalised and underlined that Justice Reddy’s candidature symbolised constitutional integrity, being a decision of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc rather than his individual choice. He added that he would take part in the nomination filling event of Justice Reddy in Delhi on August 21.