Bengal Governor denies being Vice Presidential candidate

Kolkata, Jul 12 (UNI) Denying press reports that he was a 'likely candidate' for the Vice Presidentship of the country, West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi today said he was not in the fray.

"I am honoured to have been thought of for the high office of Vice President of India. But, after careful reflection, I have respectfully declined to enter that zone of consideration," he said in a statement.

Admitting that he had 'informal soundings' in this regard in the recent past, the Governor said, " I have conveyed my disinclination and, later, have clearly declined to be considered for it''.

Mr.Gandhi said he would have 'left the matter there' had it not been a subject of continuing media speculations. But as reports kept appearing, he had to come out with the statement.

UNI