Naidu writes letter to MPs to seek support for Vice Presidential polls

New Delhi: National Democratic Alliance’s candidate for the vice-presidential elections Venkaiah Naidu has written a letter to all the parliamentarians seeking their support for him in the polls.

Stating that he will try to uphold the national values and the dignity of the constitutional post, Naidu has requested the MPs to vote in favour of him in the poll, scheduled for Saturday,

The VP nominee has pointed out his long career in legislature and has summarised his years of public life spanning over four decades since college.

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Starting his letter with a traditional ‘Namaste’, here is what Venkaiah Naidu wrote:

Namaste!

I have the honour of contesting for the office of Vice-President of India. Along with you, all the Honourable Members of both Houses of Parliament constitute the Electoral College for this post, and voting will be on Saturday, August 5, 2017.

Drawn into public life soon after I entered college, I have associated myself with people’s concerns for over four decades. I have been elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly twice and have been a Member of Rajya Sabha for four consecutive terms since 1998. I have also had the privilege of serving as Union Minister of Rural Development, Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Parliamentary Affairs and Information & Broadcasting. In addition, I have served as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

As a Member of Parliament, you may have seen my hard work and the passion with which I have tried to bring about changes as Union Minister in the

architecture of new schemes and programmes, processes and systems of decision making and implementation. In particular, I have laid special emphasis on the involvement of States, the federating units of the Union of India. I am a firm believer in the principle of cooperative federalism.

On being elected, I would get to chair the proceedings of Rajya Sabha, the repository of the collective knowledge, wisdom and experience of its distinguished members. The House of Elders has played an important role over the years as a pillar of our political democracy. It may be required to play an even more important role in the years ahead as we seek to build a new and modern India that confers additional rights on every citizen and confers dignity on those who had hitherto lacked the ability to take full advantage of citizenship. As a rising nation we have the onerous responsibility of overcoming poverty, illiteracy, social and gender discrimination, corruption and the debasement of politics. In this challenging century, we must build an opportunity society for all Indians and, in the process, contribute to the betterment of the world.

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I am fully conscious of the role and responsibilities of Parliament in furthering the cause of the nation. With my long experience of legislative work, I am also conscious of the rights, responsibilities and privileges of our MPs, the law makers.

I would like to assure you that on being elected as the Vice-President of India, it shall be my endeavour to defend and uphold the ideals that propelled the freedom struggle, the spirit and the principles of the Constitution of India including Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and the cherished values of national unity and integration.

After assuming Office as the 14th President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind ji has reiterated that pluralism and unity in diversity are the pillars on which India’s nationhood rests. He has also reminded us of the need to ensure social and economic equality that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar referred to in his last address to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949. It shall be my earnest endeavour to strengthen the hands of the President of India in achieving these goals.

Since Independence, our country has taken major strides in different spheres. Parliament and successive governments have played their part in propelling the country forward. Yet, there is a lot more to be achieved. Moreover, we today face the challenges posed by terrorism, climate change, economic and cultural globalisation and the opportunities and disruptions of technology. It shall be my endeavour to facilitate the proper conduct of the Rajya Sabha so that all Honourable MPs can contribute their best to the making of a New India. I fully share the optimism of the 125 crore countrymen about their future and of the country.

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As a parliamentary colleague, you have been acquainted with me both professionally and personally. I seek your support for my candidature forhe constitutional post of Vice-President of India. I can assure you that I will uphold the dignity of office and protect our collective constitutional inheritance. I humbly seek your vote on August 5.

With regards and best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

M Venkaiah Naidu

It is to be mentioned that Naidu will be competing with opposition candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who is seen as a non-political figure. Gandhi too has been meeting various parties, since past few days, seeking support for his candidature.