The Bharatiya Janata Party has selected the I&B and Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections scheduled for the next month. He will fighting the election against Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the opposition’s candidate for the country’s second most important post.
The BJP chief Amit Shah made the announcement in the press conference on Monday conducted after the BJP’s Parliamentary Board meeting, which took place after the voting concluded for the President’s election.
The selection of Venkaiah Naidu was not a surprise as his name was almost confirmed by the media when the sources clarified that Naidu is indeed a frontrunner. The post of Vice-President is important for the ruling BJP, as the vice president is also a chief of the Rajya Sabha, upper house of the Parliament, where it is still in minority.
The BJP chief Amit Shah has confirmed that all the parties in National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has confirmed their support for Naidu and the party is also speaking with the major opposition parties to make a unified Vice-President of the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the selection of Venkaiah Naidu as the Vice-Presidential candidate for the BJP.
I know @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu for years. Have always admired his hardwork & tenacity. A fitting candidate for the office of Vice President.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2017
A farmer’s son, @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu brings years of experience in public life and is admired across the political spectrum.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2017
The years of Parliamentary experience @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu has will help him discharge the important role of Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2017
With Naidu’s selection, the party is also looking to spread its legs in Southern region of the country, where it is not in focus except Karnataka.
This also means that the Center cabinet will be reshuffled soon as Naidu had resigned from the ministerial post to fight for the vice-presidential election.
By Prajakt K.
