New Delhi: The Opposition's vice-presidential candidate Margaret Alva filed her nomination papers in Parliament on Tuesday. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and other Opposition leaders were also present on the occasion. She issued a statement thanking the leaders of the opposition for having faith in her.
The Vice-President elections will be held on August 6. Article 56 of the Indian Constitution states that the Vice-President shall remain in office for a term of five years. Margaret Alva is competing with Jagdeep Dhankar, who was nominated as a vice-presidential candidate by the BJP. Margaret Alva in her statement said she wishes to serve the country with utmost commitment.
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She has for the past 50 years served the nation as a member of both the houses of Parliament, a union minister, a governor, and a representative of India at the United Nations and on other international platforms. She has been an ambassador of women's rights and has highlighted issues governing the rights of underprivileged and marginalised groups and communities in India.
Margaret Alva is keen on upholding the pillars of democracy and looking for solutions that keep the essence of India alive. "Winning and losing are a part of life and it is not a major concern for me. I feel indebted for the love and support showered on me by members across party lines in both houses of parliament," she said in the statement.
