Many voted against Naidu, but supported him in their hearts: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi [India], Aug. 05 (ANI): After National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee and former union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu won Vice-Presidential polls with 516 votes in his name, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said Naidu has such popularity and acceptance that many of those who voted against him wanted to vote for him in their hearts. "Many of those who might have voted against Venkaiah Naidu ji because of their party's stand would have wished in their heart of hearts to vote for him, that is the aura and pan India popularity and acceptance of somebody like Venkaiah Naidu," Singh said. "India's politics is taking a new turn. It is entering into a phase where those seated in the high offices will have to identify with lowest of the lowest," he added. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader G. V. L. Narasimha Rao also expressed happiness, saying that Naidu's Parliamentarian experience will be very productive for India." After his victory, Naidu took to Twitter and promised to uphold the high standards set by his predecessors. Gopalkrishna Gandhi congratulated Naidu for winning Vice-Presidential polls. "I congratulate him on his victory and wish him all the best in his new office of Vice-President of India," Gopalkrishna Gandhi said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also congratulated Naidu on being elected as the next Vice President of India, expressing confidence that the former union minister will remain committed to the the goal of nation building. Opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi secured 244 votes. 760 votes were valid while 11 were invalid. 381 votes was the quota set to win the polls. Total 771 out of 785 MPs cast their votes today. However, it was revealed that 14 Members of Parliament (MPs) were not present during the voting process. Voting for Vice Presidential Election ended with a total poll percentage of 98.21%. The term of incumbent Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who held the position for two consecutive terms, will come to an end on August 10. (ANI)