NDA to pick VP candidate today

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary board is slated to meet on Monday to pick the vice-presidential candidate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

On Monday, the Opposition’s presidential candidate, Meira Kumar and vicepresidential candidate, Gopalkrishna Gandhi met members of political parties supporting their respective candidatures.

Addressing the members, both stressed that while the electoral college numbers were stacked against the Opposition, the battle was ideological and has brought together political parties from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi said the Constitution and the law of the land were “sadly under siege today”.

“In these contests, the numbers may be against us. But the battle must be fought, and fought hard. We cannot and must not let India be hostage to those who wish to impose upon it a narrowminded, divisive and communal vision,” she said.

Voting for the presidential election is on Monday, while that for the vice-presidential election is on August 5. Counting of votes for the presidential election is on Thursday, and the new president will take the oath of office on July 25.

The BJP-led NDA was to announce its candidate on Sunday but this has been postponed to Monday. Sources said Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla and Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu were two of possibilities. Some consider Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasgar Rao as the front runner. Tuesday is the last day for filing of nominations for the vice-presidential election.

Opposition candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi is likely to file his nomination papers on Monday.

The Opposition presidential candidate is being supported by 17 political parties, minus the Janata Dal (United).

However, the JD(U) is supporting the Opposition’s vicepresidential candidate.

The NDA’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates are expected to win the polls comfortably.