Naqvi, Capt, Arif, Najma in list of V-P probables

By Our Special Correspondent

From the ruling NDA, three names from the Muslim community and one from the Sikhs are doing the rounds for the vice president, the second highest constitutional post. The Election Commission on Tuesday released a notification for the elections to be held on August 6 to elect the 16th Vice President, starting the process of nominations by candidates.

According to the notification, July 19 is the last date for filing nominations. Speculation in the political circles has been rife over the names of three Muslims -- Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and former Union Minister Najma Heptullah. Captain Amrinder Singh is the fourth candidate from the ruling alliance.

BJP has enough electoral strength to elect their candidate as Vice President. The party may again spring a surprise in the form of its presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu.The current term of M Venkaiah Naidu will end on August 10. The next Vice President will be sworn in on August 11. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on July 20, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is July 22.

"An intensive search is on to select a competent, non-controversial leader from the 'Pasmanda' Muslim as the vice-presidential candidate," said a senior BJP leader. "If no one is found as per the required profile, the party can zero in on any of the four names of Arif Mohammad Khan, Naqvi, Najma Heptullah and former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh," the BJP leader said.