Jagdeep Dhankhar Elected 14Th Vice President Of India
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected as the 14th Vice
President of India on Saturday as he defeated joint Opposition
candidate Margaret Alva.
Dhankhar, a former governor of West Bengal, secured 528 votes
while 80-year-old Alva got 182.
The numbers were stacked in favour of Dhankhar as the ruling BJP
enjoys an absolute majority in Lok Sabha and has 91 members in
Rajya Sabha. The BJP heads the National Democratic Alliance
(NDA).
Even before the results were announced, celebrations had started
outside the residence of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad
Joshi where Dhankhar was present.
Joyous scenes were also reported from Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu, the
hometown of Dhankhar.
Soon after the announcement of the result, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi met Dhankhar and congratulated him.
Dhankhar, 71, will succeed M Venkaiah Naidu whose tenure ends on
August 10.
As many as 725 MPs cast their ballots in the poll, which is
92.94 per cent of total votes, an official said, adding 15 votes
were declared invalid.
Members of Parliament, including nominated ones, are entitled to
vote in the vice presidential poll.
While the electoral college comprises 788 members, due to eight
vacancies in Rajya Sabha, the actual strength is 780. The Trinamool
Congress had abstained from voting claiming it was not consulted
while naming Alva as the opposition pick. However, two of its
MPs—Sisir Kumar Adhikari and Dibyendu Adhikari—broke ranks and cast
their ballots. The party has 36 MPs, including 23 in Lok Sabha.
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