14^th July, 2012, New Delhi: Today, UPA is likely to meet and decide on the candidature of Hamid Ansari for the upcoming Vice-Presidential poll. A second term as the Vice President of India seems to be certain for Ansari as several UPA allies as well as other parties giving their support to Ansari’s candidature.

Trinamool Congress, the key UPA ally is, however, expected to propose the name of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the former Governor of West Bengal. According to reports, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is not keen on Ansari’s second term.

20^th July is the last date for filing nomination for Vice Presidential poll and the election will be held on 7^th August. At present, the ruling alliance is at a comfortable spot with outside supporters like Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has already escalated efforts to get support for the candidature of Ansari. He has already spoken to the chiefs of non-UPA parties such as CPI, CPI (M) and JD (S). On Wednesday, he also has a discussion with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to seek support for Hamid Ansari. There are also indications that NDA might find it hard to oppose the Ansari’s candidature.