NDA nominee Venkaiah Naidu was elected as the 13th Vice President of India on Saturday. The former Union Minister secured over two thirds of the votes over opposition Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
Naidu got 516 votes out of the 771 total votes cast and Gandhi managed to get only 244 votes.
Out of the total votes, 11 were declared invalid, while there are 785 MPs in the Houses of Parliament, 14 MPs failed to present for the voting.
Once Naidu was announced victorious he said, ”Coming from an agricultural background, I never imagined I would be here. Agriculture has no proper voice in Indian polity.”
He went on to say, “I am very humbled. I am also thankful to the Prime Minister and all party leaders for their support. I will seek to utilize the vice presidential institution to strengthen the hands of the president and secondly uphold the dignity of the Upper House.”
On the 11th August, Venkaiah Naidu will take his oath as Vice President. Present incumbent Vice President Hamid Ansari will retire from his office on the 10th of August.
President Kovind said after the election, “Venkaiah Naidu will serve the nation as a delightful Vice President, committed to the the goal of nation building..”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Congratulations to Venkaiah Naidu Garu on being elected India’s Vice President. My best wishes for a fruitful and motivating tenure. I am confident Venkaiah Naidu will serve the Nation as a diligent and dedicated Vice President, committed to the goal of nation building. My mind is filled with memories of working with Venkaiah Naidu Garu, in the Party and Government. Will cherish this aspect of our association.”
