Amit Shah Targeted Justice Reddy to Hide Centre's Incompetence in Ending Naxalism: CM Stalin

PTI, August 24, 2025, Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday hit out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah for targeting Opposition vice-presidential candidate Justice B. Sudershan Reddy over the issue of Naxalism.

Stalin alleged that the Centre has failed to end Naxal-based extremism, and in an attempt to conceal its incompetence, Justice Reddy was unjustly labeled a "Naxal" by Shah.

Addressing a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders, including MPs from Tamil Nadu in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, to support Justice Reddy, the Chief Minister emphasized that Justice Reddy was fully qualified and deserved to be vice president. He added that this was why Reddy had been nominated by the INDIA bloc as its candidate.

Justice Reddy was in Chennai on Sunday seeking support from the DMK and its allied parties in the state. Stalin noted that not only the constituents of the INDIA bloc but also all those who have faith in democracy have backed Reddy as the vice-presidential candidate.

Outlining the legal and judicial career of the retired judge, Stalin highlighted that Reddy had dedicated his life to law and justice, upholding the dignity of the Constitution.

"Why is he needed today?" Stalin asked, then answered, "He is needed to protect the Constitution when the BJP is attempting to damage it."

Justice Reddy, according to Stalin, respected Tamil Nadu's sentiments, and his opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) was a case in point. He stands for pluralism, the Constitution, Tamil Nadu, and the people, and that is why supporting him is imperative, Stalin asserted.

The Chief Minister then criticized Shah for accusing the former Supreme Court judge of being a Naxal. "A home minister, forgetting his responsibility, has made an unjust remark against a former judge," Stalin said.

Stalin further argued that the BJP regime could not end extremism, and in order to hide its incompetence, it was trying to blame the former judge. "What is the Union government led by the BJP doing now? It is deploying investigative agencies to target political opponents. It is turning independent organizations into subsidiary outfits of the BJP. The Constitution itself is in danger," he added.

Stalin called on people to support Reddy, who embodies the principles of secularism, federalism, social justice, and unity in diversity, at this critical juncture.

The Chief Minister also criticized the BJP for attempting to use the "mask of Tamilian" to seek support for CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA's vice-presidential candidate. He described this as an old political tactic, asserting that it is ideologies, not individuals, that guide politics. "Only the ideology that serves the interests of the people and their welfare should be supported," he emphasized.

Stalin extended his best wishes to Justice Reddy, urging that he should become the vice president to protect democracy, parliamentary conventions, and the Constitution.

In his address, Justice Reddy warned that attempts to "restructure" the GST and formulate policies regarding the allocation of financial resources to states could signal the end of federalism. He feared that states would be reduced to mere municipalities, dependent on the "doles" of whoever holds power. "It is a matter of serious concern for all of us," Reddy said, urging an appropriate strategy to counter such changes.

Justice Reddy also commended Tamil Nadu for leading the way in health, education, and socio-economic policies aimed at benefiting the weaker sections of society.

In an indirect reference to the ongoing tussle between the DMK regime and Governor RN Ravi, the former judge acknowledged the DMK leadership as visionary for advocating the abolition of the post of governor decades ago. "My salutation to this great land of Tamil Nadu," he said, paying tributes to iconic leaders like Periyar EV Ramasamy.

Reddy emphasized that his role as a judge was not about personal recognition, but rather about upholding the Constitution. "I have given enough judgments; now it is your turn to judge me," he said.

He assured his supporters that, if given the opportunity, he would continue to protect and defend the Constitution. "I promise you, it’s a solemn promise, I will not let you down and I will not let down the Constitution," Reddy added.

On August 23, Justice Reddy asserted that the vice-presidential contest was not about two individuals but two ideologies. While his opponent is a "quintessential RSS man," Reddy identified himself as a "liberal constitutional democrat," which he described as the arena for the ongoing contest.