By Rahil Nora Chopra
The opposition INDIA bloc has chosen former Supreme Court judge, Justice B Sudershan Reddy, as its combined candidate for the September 9 Vice Presidential elections, which it termed an ideological battle against the BJP-led NDA, which has nominated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan. Former SC Judge B. Sudershan Reddy filed his nomination on August 21, 2025 in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. This marks the INDIA bloc’s formal entry into the vice-presidential race against NDA’s C.P. Radhakrishnan. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, SP leader Ramgopal Yadav, DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, TMC’s Satabdi Roy, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut, CPI(M)’s John Brittas were among the opposition leaders present for the nomination. As many as 160 MPs have signed as proposers and seconders. The move to pick Reddy as a joint candidate of the Opposition has made the vice-presidential election a South versus South contest. While the BJP is highlighting CP Radhakrishnan’s Tamilian identity to connect with non-NDA parties in Tamil Nadu, the INDIA alliance is playing the Telugu card hoping that the Andhra born Reddy’s candidature would draw the TDP to its side. However, the TDP and YSRCP reiterated their support for Radhakrishnan, although there was no comment from the BRS. Going by the numbers, the BJP appears to have an edge in the Vice-Presidential election. The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The current electoral college, excluding the vacancies, has 782 members. This means that the winning side needs to have at least 392 votes.
ACTOR VIJAY’S TVK KICKS OFF 2026 TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY POLL CAMPAIGN
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor-politician Vijay launched his party’s mega rally at Parapathi in Madurai district on Thursday. Vijay, who entered state politics with the formation of TVK in 2024, has positioned the party as a third front in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The rally comes as part of TVK’s preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which the party will contest for the first time. The Madurai rally was marked by vibrant participation, as supporters waved flags, raised slogans, and joined in large numbers to express solidarity with the party’s vision. With the state elections approaching, the event highlighted TVK’s growing presence and Vijay’s effort to energise his supporters across Tamil Nadu. There is also speculation over minority votes. Vijay, being a Christian, is expected to attract some sections of minorities who traditionally support the DMK. But with the ruling party firmly in power and Vijay’s political credentials yet untested, many believe a large-scale shift may not happen. Sources indicate that if the AIADMK snaps ties with the BJP closer to elections, Vijay could be open to striking an alliance – a move that could significantly alter Tamil Nadu’s political arithmetic. Signalling his ambitions, Vijay declared that TVK would contest all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu. By casting his candidacy across the entire state, he sought to underline that TVK’s fight was not limited to a few pockets but aimed at statewide transformation.
NITISH PITCHES SELF AS ‘MUSLIM SAVIOUR’ FOR UPCOMING BIHAR STATE POLLS
With Bihar bustling with political activity ahead of the state Assembly polls later this year, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has made an outreach towards the state’s Muslim community, a decisive 17 per cent of the electorate. Nitish Kumar used the centenary celebrations of the Bihar State Madrasa Education Board as a political stage, pitching himself as a leader committed to Muslim welfare. On Thursday, Nitesh Kumar inaugurated the centenary celebration of the Bihar State Madrasa Education Board in Patna and assured the Muslim community that their grievance if any would be resolved immediately, as he listed out his government’s step to support Muslim girls and boys as well as those Muslim women who have been abandoned by their husband. Nitish pointed out that his government started providing Rs 10,000 assistance to the Muslim women, who were divorced or abandoned by their husbands, since 2007, to help them in employment. It has now been increased to Rs 25,000.
RAHUL GETS HUGE RESPONSE FOR HIS VOTE ADHIKAR YATRA SPANNING BIHAR
The ongoing 16-day, 3,000-km Yatra of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been drawing massive crowds in Bihar, with people lining the roads, waving flags, and cheering him. Hundreds of young people were seen clicking selfies, while Rahul himself appeared overwhelmed by the response. On the second leg of his rally for voter rights held in Munger district, Rahul Gandhi chanted, “Vote chor, gaddi chor (vote thieves, quit the throne)”. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said that he would not allow votes to be stolen in the Assembly election in the State this time. Recalling the contribution of B.R. Ambedkar, Rahul Gandhi said that Babasaheb had dedicated his life to the Constitution and vote theft is an attack on the Constitution.
LALU YADAV TAKES DIG AT BJP, CALLS THEM ‘VOTE THIEVES’
5Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad took a jibe at the BJP, referring to it as ‘thieves’. “Chor ko hataiye, BJP ko bhagaiye, aur hume jitaiye (remove the thieves, make BJP run away and help us win),” Lalu said at the launch of ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ from Sasaram in Rohtas district. Lalu Prasad also accused the BJP of harming democracy by stealing people’s votes and appealed to everyone should unite and uproot and throw the BJP away … Let democracy be strong. (IPA Service)
Supreme Court’s Refurbished Order On Stray Dogs Of Delhi Is A Welcome Compromise 