New Delhi/IBNS: The INDIA bloc on Tuesday picked former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice-Presidential election, which the opposition camp called an "ideological battle".

Though the INDIA bloc decides to fight the poll, the ruling coalition is expected to sail through with its numbers.

Who is B Sudershan Reddy?

Born on July 8, 1946 in Hyderabad, Reddy was enrolled as advocate at Hyderabad with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh on December 27, 1971.

He has practiced in Writ and Civil matters in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

He worked as Government Pleader in the High Court during 1988-90.

Reddy also worked as Additional Standing Counsel for the central government for a period of 6 months during 1990.

He worked as Legal Adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University.

Reddy was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on May 2, 1995.

He was appointed as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court on 05.12.2005 and a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 12.01.2007.

He retired on 8.7.2011

'Ideological battle'

His name was announced by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge at the INDIA bloc press conference.

"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.

NDA picks Maharashtra Guv Radhakrishnan as nominee

The country's ruling coalition NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, has already announced Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice-Presidential poll nominee.

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.