The BJP led National Democratic Alliance, NDA has announced senior party leader and former Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh as its Vice Presidential candidate.

The decision came after a meeting of senior party leaders at veteran party leader L.K. Advani's residence this morning in New Delhi. Mr. Advani said, though BJP wanted JDU Chief Sharad Yadav to contest but he was not ready.

After nomination, Mr. Jaswant Singh said that he feels honoured.

Earlier, Mohd. Hamid Ansari has been fielded for the second time as the Vice Presidential candidate by the ruling UPA combine.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) has decided to support UPA nominee Md. Hamid Ansari for the post of Vice President. In a Polit Bureau statement, the party declared this in New Delhi today.

The last day for filing of nominations for the Vice Presidentship is the 20th of this month. Voting is to be held on the 7th of next month.