Stalin calls INDIA bloc's VP candidate ‘jurist of integrity'
said the former Supreme Court judge was a jurist of integrity and champion of social justice and civil liberties.
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"As someone who can create space for constructive debates in Parliament, conduct the House giving rightful place to the voice of the opposition, and as a democrat who has faith in the Constitution and in the principles of federalism, pluralism, social justice, and linguistic rights Sudershan Reddy stands," Stalin posted on social media on Tuesday. "I wholeheartedly congratulate B Sudershan Reddy. A jurist of integrity, independence, and a champion of civil liberties and social justice, he has upheld constitutional values throughout his career," he said.
Stalin's congratulatory message came hours after Sudershan Reddy was announced as VP candidate of INDIA bloc, putting to rest speculation that a candidate may be fielded from TN to counter BJP's choice of C P Radhakrishnan from the southern state.
"At a time when our institutions are under strain, his candidature strengthens our collective resolve to safeguard democracy and protect the spirit of the Constitution," Stalin added.
Stalin alleged that all the independent institutions that were meant to safeguard Indian democracy have been turned into subsidiary bodies of BJP, and the Constitution itself was in danger. "In such a situation, the responsibility before us is to support one who believes in India's fundamental ideals of secularism, federalism, social justice, and unity in diversity," he said. He also alleged that Union govt was "continuously inflicting injustice on TN".
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"As the opposite of anti-federalism, authoritarianism, and the trend of spreading hatred Sudershan Reddy stands," he said.
Stalin's statement is also seen as a response to BJP leaders who have been urging DMK to back CPR, as he was from TN. On Tuesday too, BJP leaders Tamilisai Soundararajan, Vanathi Srinivasan and H Raja urged DMK to support CPR.
Stalin also held a meeting on the VP election, with leaders of DMK's alliance partners including VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan, MDMK's Vaiko, MNM's Kamal Haasan and the left leaders on Tuesday at his residence.
Meanwhile, DMK's Parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said on Tuesday that the party will not support the NDA candidate C P Radhakrishnan merely because he hails from TN. "We must look beyond it. It is a battle of two opposite ideologies. We are opposing a candidate who comes from the RSS background and supports the divisive politics of BJP. We can't confine this battle to any one state. All the opposition parties have united and took the decision based on consensus before announcing the candidate," Kanimozhi told reporters in New Delhi.
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