Andalib Akhter / New Delhi
Former BJP leader and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has been elected as the new Vice President of India as he defeated his rival Gopal Krishna Gandhi by 272 votes. Voting to elect the 13th Vice President was conducted today with 98.21 per cent polling recorded.
Briefing media, Returning Officer Shemsher K Sharif said Mr Naidu received 516 votes against Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s 244 votes.
771 votes out of 785 votes were cast in the elections. 14 MPs did not cast their votes. The newly elected Vice President will take oath on the 11th of August. Mr Naidu has served as the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Information and Broadcasting in the present government.
There was a straight fight between NDA’s candidate M Venkaiah Naidu and Opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
Mr. Naidu was born on 1st July, 1949 in Chavatapalem, a remote village in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Right from his college days, he was deeply interested in the welfare of the common man, particularly the farmers and the down trodden sections of the society. This led to his active involvement in the political and social activities from a young age.
During his three decades in public life, Mr Naidu has held several positions, including President of BJP. The opposition nominee Mr Gandhi, a former IAS officer, has served as Governor of West Bengal.
Vice President elect Venkaiah Naidu today promised to uphold the Constitution and the high standards set by his esteemed predecessors. In a series of tweets, Mr Naidu expressed gratitude to every MP who supported his candidature cutting across party lines. Later, he said he will try to take everyone along with him.
He said he will work to maintain the convention and dignity of the Rajya Sabha as Chairman of the Upper House. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of different political parties for their support.
Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari congratulated Vice President-elect, M. Venkaiah Naidu on his election as the next Vice President. In a telephonic conversation after the results were declared, Mr. Ansari wished Mr. Naidu the very best for his future role as the Vice President and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
After his victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit visited his residence in the national capital to congratulate him. Several Union Ministers and BJP leaders also reached his residence to give their wishes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Venkaiah Naidu on being elected as country’s next Vice President. Extending his best wishes for a fruitful and motivating tenure, Mr Modi said he is confident that Mr Naidu will serve the nation as a diligent and dedicated Vice President, committed to the the goal of nation building.
The Prime Minister said his mind is filled with memories of working with Mr Naidu in the party and government and he will cherish this aspect of their association.
Talking to media, the opposition candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi thanked all Members of Parliament who voted for him. He said the number that voted for him is beyond expectations.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has extended best wishes to the Vice President elect, Mr Venkaiah Naidu. She said the position of the Vice President has the crucial challenge of assuming a non partisan role in running the Rajya Sabha, which acts as a store house of wisdom and sage advice for the government. Mrs Gandhi offered Congress party’s support in further strengthening the Upper House for effective scrutiny of legislations and government policies.