Humbled by honor bestowed on me, says Naidu

Venkaiah Naidu has been elected as the 13th Vice President of India.Out of 760 valid votes, Naidu got 516 votes and UPA's candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi got 244 votes.

Venkaiah Naidu, reacting to his win, said, 'I am very humbled. I am also thankful to the Prime Minister and all party leaders for their support,' reports PTI.

Naidu said he had never imagined that he would become the Vice-President of the country as he had humble beginnings. 'Coming from an agricultural background, I never imagined I would be here. Agriculture has no proper voice in Indian polity,' Naidu told PTI.

He added he will use the Vice-Presidential institution to support and strengthen the President's office. 'I am very humbled. I am also thankful to the Prime Minister and all party leaders for their support. I will



seek to utilise the vice presidential institution to strengthen the hands of the president and secondly uphold the dignity of the Upper House,' PTI quoted him as saying.

Born in Chavatapalem in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh on July 1, 1949, Naidu is one of the experienced members of the cabinet and is said to have a keen interest in farmer issues.

His political career started as a student in 1973 as the president of the students union in Andhra University.

From an announcer in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's programme in 1963 to an MLA to a spokesperson, MP, party general secretary to BJP's national president, Naidu has held various position with high respect.

With Naidu's win, NDA now has reserved both the top constitutional positions - President and Vice President.