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, is believed to have suggested the name of former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and former MP Krishna Bose.
However, he applauded the candidature of Ansari once Gandhi announced it.
Another UPA constituent VCK of Tamil Nadu suggested a Christian candidate.
Neither the UPA Chairperson nor the Prime Minister reacted to these suggestions.
"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. (MORE)
