Margaret Alva, the Opposition’s candidate for the August 6 Vice-Presidential Election, has written to all MPs, stating that if elected, she would build bridges between political parties, build consensus on national issues, and help restore the glory of Parliament.
In the letter sent to members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, who make up the electoral college, Alva said the Vice-Presidential Election must be viewed as a referendum on the way Parliament is run.
“If elected Vice President, I commit myself to work tirelessly to uphold the Constitution and to strengthen our parliamentary democracy. As chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, I will work to build bridges between different political parties, forge consensus on issues of national importance, and help restore the glory of Parliament,” she said in her appeal.
According to Alva, the support for her nomination from so many political parties reflects the 50 years she has spent in public life, as a member of both Houses of Parliament, a Union Minister, a Governor, and a representative of India at the United Nations and on other international platforms.
Former West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar is the candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led ruling coalition for the Vice-Presidential Election.
Alva, in her appeal to MPs, mentioned, “Today, Parliament is virtually at a standstill, with communication between members broken. There is distrust, anger, and the inability to debate issues of critical national importance without personal attacks and abuse. This diminishes Parliament and its members in the eyes of the people.”
“The time for change is now. The reason the election to the Vice President’s post is not subject to a party whip and is by secret ballot is to give members an opportunity to vote without fear for a candidate they believe will do justice to this critical position. A candidate who will be impartial, fearless, and run the upper house in a manner befitting its stature.”
She has worked for the country with integrity and commitment over these years, said the veteran Congress leader.
“My only aim has been to defend without fear, the Constitution of India… I believe I am that candidate, and I’m writing to ask you for your support and your vote on August 6th,” she wrote in the letter.
