Hamid sees hard work ahead as Vice President and RS Chairman

New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) Beaming with confidence and joy, Vice President elect Mohammad Hamid Ansari today said he would try to the best of his ability to fulfill the responsibilities devolved on him.

''To perform my job as Vice President and of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha I would have to work hard,'' he said.

Flanked by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi who had come to 11 South Avenue to congartulate him on his victory today, Dr Ansari said his victory was the result of excellent team work.

''I thank those who have voted for me and who have worked for my victory. I would try my best to come up to their expectations,'' he said speaking to the media after he was presented the results of today's elections by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.

When asked how he was feeling about his job as Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, he said he was confident but at the same time felt that he has to learn a lot about his job.

Earlier, Mr Dasmunsi told mediapersons that Dr Ansari would preside over the House on August 13.

Prominent among those who had come to congratulate Dr Ansari were Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Defence Minister Pranab Kumar Mukherjee. Besides, other Members of the Council of Minister and a large number of leaders of other political parties, MPs and friends also visited 11 South Avenue to extend their greetings to him and his family.

Dr Ansari will take his oath of office tomorrow, Mr Dasmunsi said.

UNI