New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday authorised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president JP Nadda to select the ruling coalition’s candidate for the post of Vice President of India, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rijiju stated that the decision was taken unanimously during a key meeting of NDA constituents held at the Parliament complex.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was attended by senior BJP leaders and allies, including Home Minister Amit Shah, JD(U)’s Lallan Singh, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, TDP’s Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, and LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan.
According to the Election Commission of India, nominations for the Vice Presidential election can be filed till August 21. Polling is scheduled for September 9, with counting to take place on the same day.
The election has been necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the post of Vice President on July 21 due to health concerns.
Dhankhar tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu under Article 67(a) of the Constitution. He also served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.
