Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh was today chosen by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as its unanimous candidate for the August 7 Vice-Presidential election against UPA nominee Hamid Ansari.

The opposition alliance said it had reservations over the re-nomination of Mr. Ansari, particularly the manner in which he conducted the Rajya Sabha when the Lokpal Bill was discussed and the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed.

“We have decided not to give them (UPA) a walkover… We have unanimously decided that Jaswant Singh will be the NDA candidate in the Vice-Presidential poll,” L K Advani, NDA Working President, announced after an NDA meeting.

Mr. Advani said JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav had also raised concerns over Mr Ansari’s conduct in the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha where marshals were used to oust those opposed to the legislation.

He said the same concerns were shared with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he had called him on Saturday to seek support for Mr Ansari’s candidature.

Mr Advani said Mr Yadav, also the NDA convenor, was initially approached to contest the Vice Presidential election, but he declined citing his interest in active politics.

The BJP leader indicated that the NDA would reach out to all such parties which have not committed their support to the UPA nominee.

Reacting to his nomination, 74-year-old Jaswant Singh said, “It is a matter of great respect that the NDA has unanimously chosen me as their candidate for the post of Vice President. It is a big responsibility and also a challenge”.