New Delhi: The UPA on Saturday decided for a second term for Hamid Ansari as the Vice President. UPA chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi declared Ansari’s name for the penultimate post. Ansari thankful for candidature, UPA says decision to field him “unanimous”Interacting with mediapersons shortly after being announced as the UPA’s candidate, Ansari thanked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and coalition partners for considering him for a second term at the high office.
“So rare an honour can only be accepted in all humility,” Ansari said, before thanking the Dr. Singh, Sonia Gandhi and all the parties that supported his candidature.
Speaking on the occasion, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said that Ansari’s candidature was a “unanimous” coalition decision, “in view of the dignity and distinction with which he (Ansari) conducted and presided over the Rajya Sabha in the first term.”
On being quizzed about the Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) alleged displeasure over Ansari’s candidature, Bansal reiterated that it was a unanimous decision.
The last date for nomination for the Vice President election, scheduled for August 7, is July 20.Ansari’s term as Vice President ends on August 10. (ANI) Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh met UPA’s Vice Presidential candidate Mohammed Hamid Ansari at his residence, here on Saturday.
The Samajwadi party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj party (BSP) extended their support to Ansari’s candidature, with the BSP chief Mayawati reportedly calling up Ansari to express support while SP issuing a statement to that effect.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), allegedly unhappy with the UPA’s choice, has reserved its opinion on Ansari’s candidature, with Railway Minister Mukul Roy saying that the party would decide over the issue “later.”
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/upa-wants-hamid-ansari-run-for-vp/
