The meeting between opposition vice-presidential candidate B. Sudershan Reddy and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from legal experts and political figures alike. The encounter, which took place ahead of the September 9 vice-presidential elections, has been labeled an "error in judgment".

Criticism from Legal Experts

A group of 25 senior legal luminaries have strongly criticized the meeting, arguing that it casts doubts on Reddy's judgment and allegiances. They argue that associating with a convicted politician like Lalu Prasad Yadav, who was found guilty in the fodder scam involving the embezzlement of approximately ₹940 crore of public funds, raises serious questions about Reddy's propriety and commitment to national interests. The legal experts issued a joint statement expressing their "dismay" at the meeting, emphasizing that it "appears to serve no legitimate political purpose". They further asserted that citing electoral considerations as justification is invalid, as Yadav is neither a Member of Parliament nor eligible to vote in the Vice-Presidential electoral college.

The statement reads, “This lapse, by an individual seeking to occupy an influential and prestigious constitutional post, represents a fundamental error in judgment, one that the public is bound to evaluate fully". They also highlighted the silence from groups that often invoke constitutional morality, suggesting a need for consistency in addressing matters of propriety and public conduct.

Political Condemnation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also strongly condemned the meeting. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Reddy for meeting a "scam convict" despite claiming to "save the soul of the nation". Prasad questioned Reddy's integrity, asking, "What kind of a Retired Judge of the Supreme Court are you that you are meeting someone who is convicted of a scam?". He further added, "This is hypocrisy! Please don't talk about the soul of the nation".

BJP leader Amit Malviya described the meeting as a "shocking statement on probity in public life by someone aspiring for a high constitutional office". He pointed out that Yadav is not a Member of Parliament and has no vote in the vice-presidential electoral college, questioning the purpose of the meeting. The BJP has also accused Reddy of acting below the dignity expected of a retired judge by meeting Yadav.

Reddy's Defense and Context

B. Sudershan Reddy has not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding the meeting. However, it's important to note that Reddy's nomination as the opposition's vice-presidential candidate came after a career as a Supreme Court judge. Some have pointed out that previous criticisms have been made against Reddy regarding his past judgements. Accusations have been made that his rulings showed sympathy for insurgents.

The controversy arises on the eve of the vice-presidential election, where Reddy is contesting against the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) nominee, CP Radhakrishnan. The outcome of the election remains to be seen, but the controversy surrounding Reddy's meeting with Lalu Prasad Yadav has undoubtedly added another layer of complexity to the political landscape.