In a bold political statement, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy pitched former Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya as a deserving candidate for the post of Vice President of India. Addressing reporters in New Delhi, Reddy emphasized the importance of fair regional and caste-based representation, stating that Dattatreya, an OBC leader from Telangana, would be a “fitting choice” to uphold balance in national politics.

“Bandaru Dattatreya is a decent man, and he represents the Telugu-speaking population, which is the second largest linguistic group in India after Hindi,” said Reddy. He argued that Telangana and the southern OBC community had faced political neglect under the NDA regime and suggested that elevating Dattatreya to the Vice President's office would help “undo the injustice.”

Referring to previous instances of alleged discrimination, Reddy said, “Last time there were talks that M. Venkaiah Naidu might become the President, but he was sent back home. As a corrective measure, Dattatreya was later made the Governor of Haryana. Even when he was a Union Minister, his responsibilities were shifted to G. Kishan Reddy.”

Revanth Reddy also pointed to internal BJP decisions that, according to him, sidelined OBC leaders. “Bandi Sanjay was replaced as Telangana BJP chief by a Brahmin leader, Ramchander Rao. This reflects how OBCs, particularly in Telangana and the South, were reduced in political stature. If Bandaru Dattatreya is made Vice President, it would make up for ‘100 injustices’,” Reddy asserted.

When asked whether the Congress party would back Dattatreya’s nomination, Reddy clarified that such a decision lies with the All India Congress Committee (AICC). “I will definitely request my party leadership to consider supporting him, but I cannot promise anything. It’s not within my authority,” he said.

The statement comes shortly after Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation citing health reasons. In his resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Parliament, noting that it was a privilege to serve during a period of “unprecedented economic development.”

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has begun preparations for the vice presidential elections. The electoral college, comprising elected and nominated MPs from both Houses of Parliament, is being constituted.