He has presided over the Rajya Sabha with dignity and distinction: Sonia
Vice-President Hamid Ansari looks set to get a second term in his current job after United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi formally announced on Saturday that he would be the alliance’s candidate for VP. This followed a meeting of UPA constituents at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s residence.
Last week, The Hindu broke the news of Mr. Ansari’s nomination after Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Deve Gowda told the newspaper that Dr. Singh had canvassed his support for a second term for Mr. Ansari.
If the 75-year-old Ansari, a career diplomat, and former Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, makes it, he will follow in the footsteps of philosopher-statesman S. Radhakrishnan who got two terms as Vice-President between 1952 and 1962.
Predictably, Trinamool Congress representative and Railway Minister Mukul Roy did suggest the names of the former West Bengal Governor, Gopal Gandhi, and ex-Trinamool MP Krishna Bose for the job. However, he did not press the point, even applauding when Mr. Ansari’s name was announced. Later, he told journalists he would report on the proceedings to his party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee before the party took a public position on the Vice-Presidential election.
Another UPA constituent, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) of Tamil Nadu, suggested a Christian candidate.
But neither the UPA chairperson nor the Prime Minister reacted to the suggestions made by the Trinamool and the VCK.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, responding to the announcement, said the Left parties would meet on Monday to take a collective view on the VP’s election. In 2007, Mr. Ansari’s name for VP was proposed by the Left parties.
“Mohammed Hamid Ansari will complete shortly a term as Vice-President of India. He has presided over the Rajya Sabha with dignity and distinction,” Ms. Gandhi said at Saturday’s meeting, concluding her short statement, “The UPA is honoured to nominate him as its candidate for a second term as Vice-President of India.”
At the meeting, the Prime Minister proposed his name and sought the suggestions of the leaders who were present, after which Ms. Gandhi made the announcement.
Clear edge
Mr. Ansari enjoys a clear edge for the Vice-Presidential poll slated for August 7. In an Electoral College of 790 MPs, in the last election, he polled 455 votes against the NDA’s Najma Heptullah who secured 222 votes, while the now defunct United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA)’s Rashid Masood — now in the Congress — got 75 votes. This time, the Congress’ parliamentary managers are expecting to win by a considerably larger margin — if the Opposition fields a candidate.
Keywords: Vice-Presidential election, Hamid Ansari, UPA candidate
BSP/SP both r afraid of CBI(Congress beuro of India)hence they r
supporting UPA V P candidate to save their skin.
amazing Ansari. what else UPA II needs to demolish Lokpal bill?
a dedicated man to Sonia's family has been awarded second time as VP for
his indisputable loyalty to her. Obviously what other qualification one
needs to reach high in congress?
Fall of Lok Pal Bill in Upper House was supervised by Hamid Ansari, saving ruling party from embarrassments. He is now being rewarded for his faithfulness.
You deserve it Mr. Ansari a second term well in a world that is full of EVIL at least let some things be left EVANGELICAL like the 2nd Citizen of India!!!
Ansari fit to be the vice president of the Congress than the vice president of India,as his action in the last Rajya sabha discussion on Janlokpal bill justifie this.Gopal Krishna Gandhi is the right person for the moment.TMC,Leftists,NDA.AIADMK and others should support this proud Indian-a fine mixture of the north and south culture and traditions.TMC and the Leftists know about his impartiality as the Governor of west Bengal.Pity that Ansari had lost his balance before the very sight of the Indian masees. He is no longer neutral and judicious.
it is the good choice for Vice president candidature.. No doubt Mr.
Ansari deserves for it..
Ansari is pre-eminently suited to presidency. Another eminent person - who has more political clout - has pipped him at the post this time.One hopes Ansari will make it in 2017.Good luck Mr Vice-president!
Being a UPA candidate, there are bright chances for Mr. Hamid Ansari
getting second term as Vice President. Though Rajya Sabha & its
Chairman looks dummy like to many in Indian Democracy yet it sometimes
flashes powerful like decisions of its chairman could change the
picture to large extent.
Nothing could be more FARCICAL than this - Why should people in top positions CLING and be GREEDY to remain in the post without giving room for the next person.
How can the country progress if this kind of situation cotinues?
We should amend the Constitution to ensure the top Constituitional Posts are not occupied by the same person for more than one term - at least contniously
The UPA has shamed the entire country of more than 100 Crores by not looking for a fresh face for the post of Vice President - This is indeed a black day for Indian Democracy - Dr APJ is deemed not to be fit for the President's post - How is Ansari better qualified to continue as VP ??
India should come up with a 2 party system like in US (democrats and
Republicans) or in Britain ( Labor and Conservative). There is no logic
or ideology in having so many parties. At least in that way the govts
will become stable and the country progresses economically. They can
call themselves UPA and NDA and contest on one symbol and one manifesto
for each.
UPA cannot think of a better reward for the killer of the Lokpal bill !
AND set the precedent to allow a second term for a compliant Pranab
It was well expected. After all, his performance in the Rajya Sabha
during the Lokpal bill proceedings has to be rewarded.
second term of Hamid Ansari certainly will bring a brawl. because of two
reason ,primarily is because Opposition is making it a political issue
,on the grounds that UPA wanted to to take the sympathy of muslim vote
bank.Secondly Hamid was devil's advocate at the time of Lokpal bill
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