Opposition's master stroke

In contradiction to the division in the Opposition camp over the choice of candidate for presidential election, they have shown this time united posture on the selection of the nominee for vice presidential election. On the issue of the presidential nominee, the prominent constituent of the opposition parties JD(U) supported the NDA nominee former Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind for presidential election against the opposition nominee of 17 parties Meira Kumar. She is the former Lok Sabha Speaker and the daughter of former Deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram. She belongs to Bihar and the opposition called her the daughter of the state to put pressure on JD(U) supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to review his decision. But as Nitish Kumar is a leader of principle, he did not budge from his stand. His decision to support NDA presidential nominee Kovind also caused consternation among the ruling Mahagathbandhan in the state. Congress and RJD differed with Nitish Kumar’s decision openly. It once appeared that Mahagathbandhan would break on the issue of presidential nominee itself. But at last, all the three constituents of Mahagathbandhan patched up among themselves. JD(U) made it clear that by supporting BJP-led NDA presidential nominee, it is not going to shake hands with them. But on the issue of Vice Presidential nominee all the 18 opposition parties including JD(U) have picked former Governor of West Bengal Gopal Krishna Gandhi as their candidate for the post of vice president. He has served as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from 1968-1992. He is also the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. He is the best possible candidate for the post of Vice President. By announcing the name of Gopal Krishna Gandhi, the Congress-led opposition has this time scored point over the BJP-led NDA. There is every possibility that NDA would be agreeable to the name of Gopal Krishna Gandhi as vice presidential candidate. On the issue of the presidential nominee, the ruling NDA played master stroke by announcing the name of Ram Kovind as its candidate. The opposition was cornered on the issue. The same stroke this time was played by the opposition on the issue of vice presidential candidate. Gopal Krishna Gandhi has been one of the best administrators of the country. He knows the constitution and constitutional provisions very well. His name was also considered for the presidential nominee by a few opposition parties, but the unanimity reached on Meira Kumar. But this time all the 18 opposition parties, including JD (U) unanimously endorsed his name. Gopal Krishna Gandhi is also a well-read and well-educated personality. He has deep knowledge of Indian political history and culture. He will be the most suitable person to keep the idea of India protected as Vice President of the country. The choice of the opposition parties is immaculate. And it will be better for the nation if unanimity was evolved on his name with the ruling NDA also. Gopal Krishna Gandhi is also a dignified, distinguished, learned and well-experienced person. He has a vast experience of dealing with the foreign dignitaries. Gandhi was also the Secretary to the then Vice President Ramaswamy Venkataraman from 1985 to 1987, Joint Secretary to President Venkataraman from 1987 to 1992 and Secretary to President in 1997.He served as the High Commissioner to South Africa in 1996, High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka in 2000 and as Ambassador of India in Norway in 2002. He was the Governor of West Bengal from 2004 to 2009. The vice presidential election will take place on August 5 and counting will be held on the same day. Gopal Krishna Gandhi is the best choice for the post of Vice President of the country. He has all the qualities of a celebrated statesman to deserve the second top most constitutional post.