Ahead of VP election, Reddy seeks support of Left parties

INDIA bloc vice-presidential nominee Justice B Sudarshan Reddy on Wednesday held a series of meetings in New Delhi and sought support from Left parties for the upcoming election.

He was accompanied by Congress MP Dr Mallu Ravi, convener of the Telangana Congress. He first called on CPI general secretary D Raja at the party’s national office in Ajay Bhawan. He also met CPM general secretary MA Baby at Surjith Bhawan.

Speaking after the meeting, Raja said his party was firmly behind Reddy. Describing Reddy as a jurist of high standing who had consistently upheld constitutional principles, Raja said Reddy’s candidature was significant at a time when democratic values and the secular fabric of the nation is facing serious challenges from divisive forces.

Reddy, in turn, thanked the Left parties for the endorsement, saying he was deeply moved by the support. He assured party leaders that, if elected, he would devote himself to safeguarding the Constitution and its guiding principles.

The INDIA bloc nominee has been on a nationwide outreach tour. On August 21, he travelled to Chennai to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK MPs, followed the next day with a visit to Lucknow, where he engaged with leaders of the Samajwadi Party and other opposition groups.