Former Supreme Court Judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy, nominated as the INDIA bloc’s Vice-Presidential candidate, praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday.

He told reporters that Rahul Gandhi never lets the streets stay silent. Moreover, he added that Gandhi successfully pushed governments to act, citing the Telangana government’s caste census as an example.

Reddy quoted Rammanohar Lohia: “jab sadak khaamosh hai, sadan awara hoti hai (when the streets are silent, the house becomes unruly).” He said, “Rahul Gandhi doesn’t allow the streets to be silent. It has become his second nature. He faces one challenge after another. He successfully persuaded the Telangana government to conduct the caste census systematically.”

Voting Rights in Bihar Under Threat

Reddy warned that universal adult suffrage faces a serious challenge in Bihar. On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, he said, "The universal adult suffrage is coming under serious challenge. There is no greater threat to the Constitution than Bihar’s current crisis. The right to vote is the only instrument in the hands of the common man. If this right is taken away, what remains of democracy?"

He stressed that protecting voting rights is essential for democracy.

Telangana Caste Census: A Challenge for the Ruling Party

Reddy led the expert group for Telangana’s caste census. He said the findings could challenge the ruling government if implemented properly.

“When I presented the report, I said it would be a major challenge to the ruling party. And I was proven right. Let us see if this will be a systematic study or just for appearances. If they are serious, I am not in a position to advise them,” Reddy said.

Meanwhile, the report could guide future policies in Telangana.

INDIA Bloc Supports Reddy

Earlier on Wednesday, INDIA bloc members met Reddy at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced Reddy’s nomination. He called Reddy one of India’s most distinguished and progressive jurists.

The nomination papers were signed by 80 MPs, including Sonia Gandhi, Kharge, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, and SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav.