Jagdeep Dhankhar files papers for veep polls

By Our Special Correspondent

NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar filed his nomination for the post of Vice President on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Cabinet Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda were also with him.

Dhankar, 71, a former governor of West Bengal who had a long innings with the BJP in Rajasthan, said, "I have always worked to promote the country's democratic values.”I never dreamed that a person from a humble background like me would get this opportunity."

AAP has fielded senior Congress leader Margaret Alva (77) in the elections to be held on August 6. Last date for nominations is Tuesday. The current Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's term ends on August 10. Former BJP President and Union Minister Naidu in 2017.

Dhankar resigned from the post of West Bengal Governor on Sunday to contest for the post of Vice President, who is also Rajya Sabha Chairperson by default.

Earlier in the day, Dhankhar met MPs from various parties supporting his bid. There too, the Prime Minister and other senior BJP leaders, along with MPs from Biju Janata Dal and Lok Janashakti Party, were present.