In an effort to “derail” the concept of a united opposition, Margaret Alva, the joint candidate of the opposition for the office of vice president, lashed out on Saturday at some opposition groups for “directly or indirectly” backing the BJP in this election.
Disappointed by the ‘lack of unity’ among the opposition parties, Alva wrote: “This election was an opportunity for the opposition to work together, to leave the past behind and build trust amongst each other. Unfortunately, some opposition parties chose to directly or indirectly support the BJP, in an attempt to derail the idea of a united opposition. It is my belief that by doing so, these parties and their leaders have damaged their own credibility.”
This election was an opportunity for the opposition to work together, to leave the past behind & build trust amongst each other. Unfortunately, some opposition parties chose to directly or indirectly support the BJP, in an attempt to derail the idea of a united opposition.
— Margaret Alva (@alva_margaret) August 6, 2022
According to the results for the vice presidential election released by the returning officer, NDA nominee Jagdeep Dhankhar received 528 votes to Margaret Alva’s 182 for the opposition, according to PTI.
Soon after the votes were announced, Alva wished Dhankhar well on Twitter by writing, “Congratulations to Mr Dhankhar on being elected Vice President! I would like to thank all the leaders of the Opposition, and MPs from across parties who voted for me in this election. Also, all the volunteers for their selfless service during our short but intense campaign.”
Congratulations to Mr Dhankhar on being elected Vice President!
I would like to thank all the leaders of the Opposition, and MPs from across parties who voted for me in this election.
Also, all the volunteers for their selfless service during our short but intense campaign.
— Margaret Alva (@alva_margaret) August 6, 2022
“This election is over. The battle for protecting our Constitution, strengthening our democracy & restoring the dignity of Parliament, will continue,” Alva said.
On August 11, one day after the current Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu’s term ends, Jagdeep Dhankhar will take the oath of office.
