Opposition V-P pick B Sudershan Reddy interview: ‘I am a liberal Constitutional democrat … will run a dignified campaign’

* What was your first reaction when you heard that you are the V-P candidate for the INDIA bloc?

The first reaction is that I was happy. The INDIA bloc represents more than 63% or 64% of India’s population. I was happy that they chose a non-party man. I do not belong to any political party. Therefore, I have accepted the call. And from Wednesday onwards, people will see that it is a dignified contest between candidates.

* When were you informed that you would be the INDIA bloc’s candidate and who broke the news to you?

I got the call yesterday. Very briefly, Mallikarjun Kharge himself had called. He asked if I could give my candidature for nomination and I decided then and there that I would accept the honour. Naturally, I was happy.

* Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy has called you a non-political, non-controversial figure. How would you define yourself?

I am a serious student of Constitutional law and broadly a liberal Constitutional democrat. I can’t say that I am non-political, though I do not belong to any political party. When you exercise your voting rights, you cannot say that you are not a political person. I do not owe any allegiance to any political party; that’s how I see myself.

* Is this a fight for the Constitution, as many are calling it? How do you see it?

I am a person who has immense faith in the Constitution and its values. The values include liberty, equality and fraternity. Ours is a multicultural, multilinguistic, multireligious society. So the value of fraternity is very much important and that is enshrined in the Constitution. This is how I look at it.

* Will you be approaching all parties to support you?

Political parties do not vote. The electoral college consists of the elected representatives — that is the MPs. I would appeal to all of them to consider my request and support my candidature.