Our democracy is strengthened by spirit of dialogue, dissent, participation: Reddy after VP poll defeat

Accepting his defeat in the 2025 Vice-Presidential election, INDIA Bloc candidate B Sudershan Reddy on Tuesday said the country’s democracy is strengthened not by victory alone, but by the spirit of dialogue, dissent, and participation adding that he will continue his ideological battle with even “greater vigour” despite the result not being in his favour.

Shortly after the result of the 2025 Vice-Presidential election was declared, he extended warm wishes to NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan after he was elected the 15th Vice President of India.

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Reddy lost to NDA backed candidate Radhakrishnan by 152 votes.

Reacting to his loss in the election, In a statement, he said, “Though the result is not in my favour, the larger cause we have collectively sought to advance remains undiminished. The ideological battle continues with ever greater vigour. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leaders of the Opposition parties who made me their joint candidate.”

“Our democracy is strengthened not by victory alone, but by the spirit of dialogue, dissent, and participation. I remain committed, as a citizen, to upholding the ideals of equality, fraternity, and liberty that bind us together. May our Constitution continue to be the guiding light of our national life. I wish the Vice President-elect CP Radhakrishnan the very best as he embarks upon his tenure,” Reddy added in the statement.

He termed his journey as a “profound honour”, stating that it has guided constitutional morality, justice, and the dignity of his life. “Today, the MPs have rendered their verdict in the election for the office of the Vice President of India. I humbly accept this outcome with an abiding faith in the democratic processes of our great Republic. This journey has been a profound honour, offering me the opportunity to stand for the values that have guided my life: constitutional morality, justice, and the dignity of every individual,” he said.

A total of 98.20 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the Vice Presidential elections, wherein 767 MPs cast their vote out of 781.

NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan received 452 first preference votes, whereas the INDIA bloc candidate Justice B Sudershan Reddy received 300 first preference votes. Fifteen votes were considered invalid.

13 MPs abstained from voting in the Vice Presidential elections. The list includes seven MPs from Biju Janata Dal, four from Bharath Rashtra Samithi, one MP from Shiromani Akali Dal and one independent MP.