New Delhi: Backed by two-third members of Parliament, senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday defeated the Opposition candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi. Hamid Ansari’s term as V-P ends on August 10.
Mr Naidu was elected from the state for three terms in the Rajya Sabha. In fact, sources said that his first visit after becoming Vice-President elect will be to Bengaluru, on Sunday.
Mr Naidu will also visit Tirupati to offer prayers. Upon winning the election, Mr Naidu said he was humbled by the honour bestowed on him and promised to “uphold the Constitution and the high standards set by my esteemed predecessors.”
He also thanked the people, the MPs who voted for him, Mr Modi, Mr Shah and leaders of the non-NDA outfits.
Mr Naidu said the election result was an “important milestone in India’s democratic journey”, one that speaks for the “beauty and strength of our parliamentary democracy” where a farmer’s son can reach the top office.
He also said that ever since his candidature was announced, he became a “non-party man” and would try to take everybody along.
Mr Naidu also said that he would endeavour to enable every member in Rajya Sabha to make a meaningful contribution.
