Vice-presidential poll 2017: Opposition candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi files nomination

Opposition parties’ Vice Presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi filed his nomination on Tuesday. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had nominated his name. 

Gandhi was accompanied by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, TMC leader Derek O'Brien, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechuri. 

Speaking to reporters after filing the papers, Gandhi said, “Not here to oppose any person or party, here with all humility to place before electors, the aspirations of citizens.”

He added, “Even if I win, it won't be a great thing. It’s not victory or defeat that matters. I’m here to unite . . . divisive nature of today's polity.”

“I believe death penalty belongs to the medieval ages, Its wrong. My views are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr.Ambedkar,” added the former West Bengal governor. 

“Yes I had also written to Pakistan PM demanding that he should not hang Kulbhushan Jadhav,” added Gandhi. 

“I am happy BJD supported my candidature,” he added.

Last week 18 opposition parties had unanimously agreed to field Gandhi as their joint candidate for the vice presidential election. The Vice President election will be held on August 5 and the votes will be counted the same evening. Members of both the Houses of Parliament, including the nominated members, will be eligible to vote.