Venkaiah Naidu rules out standing for Vice-President’s post

The Union minister said he cannot let a ‘ceremonial position’ keep him away from the people.

With two months to go for the vice-presidential election, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said there was no chance of him contesting for the position.

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said he likes nothing better than to ‘speak without barriers’, travel to different places, meet people, and eat different kinds of food. This is why he does not want to become vice-president. (PTI File)

“Never am I going to participate in the vice-presidential elections even if anyone compels me,” he said. “Happiness – for me – is meeting people, being among them and serving them. I cannot let a ceremonial position keep me away from people.”

Naidu said he likes nothing better than to speak without barriers, travel to different places, meet people, and eat different kinds of food.

The Union minister was touted as a probable candidate for the upcoming vice-presidential election, with incumbent Hamid Ansari slated to complete his term on August 10.