New Delhi/IBNS: The INDIA bloc on Tuesday announced former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election.

The announcement was made by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge.

"This Vice-Presidential contest is an ideological battle. All the opposition parties have agreed on this and that's why we are contesting unitedly," said Kharge.

"He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice. He is a pro-poor man and many of his judgements favoured poor people and protected the Constitution and fundamental rights," the Congress chief also said.

Born in Hyderabad, Reddy practiced in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1991.

He remained the Chief Justice in the Gauhati High Court from December 5, 2005 to January 12, 2007.

In 2008, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India.

Reddy delivered judgments on cases relating to human rights, transparency, and constitutional matters.

He was also part of significant benches that dealt with issues of corruption and governance. 

The country's ruling coalition NDA has already announced Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice-Presidential poll nominee.

Now with the INDIA bloc announcing its own candidate, the election to the post is certain.

The V-P poll will be held on September 9. The result will be declared on the same day.

The last date for nominations is August 21.