The name of the 75-year-old Ansari was announced by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at a meeting of the Congress-led coalition at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence here.
A career diplomat, Ansari was the only choice of the UPA which was approved at the meeting, also attended by Trinamool Congress representative and Railway Minister Mukul Roy.
Roy, whose party had opposed Pranab Mukherjee's candidature for President's post last month, suggested the names of former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and former MP Krishna Bose. Another UPA constituent VCK of Tamil Nadu suggested a Christian candidate.
These suggestions were ignored by the UPA Chairperson as also the Prime Minister.
"Mohd Hamid Ansari will complete shortly a term as Vice President of India. He has presided over the Rajya Sabha with dignity and distinction. The UPA is honoured to nominate him as its candidate for a second term as Vice President of India," Gandhi said in her brief statement.
Later, Home Minister P Chidambaram said Roy had "applauded" the announcement of Ansari's candidature.
However, Roy contradicted him at a separate press meet when he made it clear that he had given no commitment of support and the party's position will be decided by its chief Mamata Banerjee.
Ansari's candidature for the August 7 poll was immediately supported by Samajwadi Party and BSP.
The electoral college for the Vice Presidential poll comprises 790 MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. As per the support committed so far, Ansari is expected to get 423, substantially higher than the required 395.
This is except the Trinamool Congress. (MORE)
