Ansari thankful for candidature, UPA says decision to field him "unanimous"

New Delhi, July 14 (ANI): Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari on Saturday expressed gratitude to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) for backing him as the ruling coalition's nominee for the Vice President's post.

Interacting with mediapersons shortly after being announced as the UPA's candidate, Ansari thanked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and coalition partners for considering him for a second term at the high office.

"So rare an honour can only be accepted in all humility," Ansari said, before thanking the Dr. Singh, Sonia Gandhi and all the parties that supported his candidature.

Speaking on the occasion, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said that Ansari's candidature was a "unanimous" coalition decision, "in view of the dignity and distinction with which he (Ansari) conducted and presided over the Rajya Sabha in the first term."

On being quizzed about the Trinamool Congress' (TMC) alleged displeasure over Ansari's candidature, Bansal reiterated that it was a unanimous decision.

The last date for nomination for the Vice President election, scheduled for August 7, is July 20.

Ansari's term as Vice President ends on August 10. (ANI)