Sonia Gandhi congratulates Venkaiah Naidu, reminds him of 'non-partisan' role

New Delhi [India] Aug 5 (ANI): Congress President, Sonia Gandhi on Saturday extended her best wishes to M. Venkaiah Naidu on being elected as the 13th Vice President of India, asserting that Naidu's position has the crucial challenge of assuming a non-partisan role in running the Rajya Sabha. In a statement, Sonia Gandhi said, "The position of the Vice President of India has the crucial challenge of assuming a non-partisan role in running 'The House of Elders', which acts as a store house of wisdom and sage advice for the government". "House of Elders is an important determinant of our democratic functioning to address appropriate checks and balances," the statement further said. Gandhi also offered Congress party's support in further strengthening the 'Upper House' for effective scrutiny of legislations and Government policies. Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah congratulated Naidu saying his journey from a farmer's son to Vice President is victory for farmers which have contributed to nation's growth. Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Naidu and expressed confidence that the former union minister will remain committed to the goal of nation building. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister recalled his memories of working with Naidu in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Centre, adding that he will cherish this aspect of their association. Wishes and greetings have begun pouring in, as the nation including politicos are congratulating Naidu for his victory. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee and former union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu was elected as the 13th Vice President of India with 516 votes. Whereas, Opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi has secured 244 votes. A 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. The voting began at 10 a.m. earlier in the day. (ANI)