Hamid Ansari UPA choice for vice-president

Hamid Ansari, a career diplomat and chairman of the National Minorities Commission, is all set to become the next vice-president of India with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and Left allies agreeing on his name.

Ansari's name was announced by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at the end of an hour-long meeting between the UPA and the Left parties. Gandhi said Ansari had an "excellent record" of serving the nation in many capacities, including as civil servant and diplomat, "as an academic and in his current position".

Ansari has served in many Muslim countries and the United Nations and was also vice-chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University. He is an expert on West Asia issues and Iranian affairs. He is considered close to the Congress leadership and the Left parties had liked him for his progressive ideas.