Date:11/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/11/stories/2007081156411400.htm

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President congratulates Ansari

Vinay Kumar

Pratibha Patil will administer the oath of office to him on Saturday

— Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

SAVOURING VICTORY: Mohammad Hamid Ansari flanked by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi after his election as Vice-President, in New Delhi on Friday.

NEW DELHI: President Pratibha Patil on Friday greeted Hamid Ansari on his election as the Vice-President.

She spoke to Mr. Ansari on the telephone and congratulated him on his impressive victory in the Vice-Presidential election, Press Secretary to the President S.M. Khan said here.

Ms. Patil will administer the oath of office to Mr. Ansari at 5.45 p.m. on Saturday at a ceremony to be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Shekhawat’s greeting

The former Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, visited Mr. Ansari’s residence at South Avenue and congratulated him.

Mr. Shekhawat, who unsuccessfully contested the Presidential polls last month and later resigned as Vice-President, wished Mr. Ansari success in discharging responsibilities as Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee also greeted Mr. Ansari.

Chennai Special Correspondent writes:

Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala congratulated Mohammad Hamid Ansari on his election as Vice President.

In a message, Mr. Barnala said:

“I am sure that your principles and distinguished diplomatic and academic experience augur well for the future of India as a developed nation.”