Gopal Krishna Gandhi not to contest vice presidential poll

New Delhi, Jul 15: Gopal Krishna Gandhi, former governor of West Bengal, today made it clear that he will not be contesting the forthcoming Vice Presidential election.

The Trinamool Congress was keen to field Mahatma Gandhi's grandson in the poll that is scheduled to be held on Aug 7. Railway Minister Mukul Roy who represented the party at the meeting of UPA leaders yesterday even proposed the name of Gopal Krishna Gandhi but other constituents of the ruling coalition opted for Hamid Ansari.

Subsequently UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi announced that the latter will be their nominee for the Vice President's post. Samajwadi Party and BSP have since announced support for Ansari.

However, BJP is likely to put up a candidate against him. Reports say the opposition does not want the incumbent to serve a second term.

OneIndia News