With Draupadi Murmu being elected as India’s 15th President, the country is gearing up to elect its next Vice President. The BJP, which broke the opposition’s unity by fielding the best candidate in the presidential election, may not have much difficulty in electing the vice president, owing to the party’s safe lead in the parliament.

In a big setback for joint opposition candidate Margaret Alva, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has decided to abstain from voting in the vice-presidential poll. Taking to Twitter, Alva has publicly expressed disappointment over the TMC’s decision.

“The TMC's decision to abstain from voting in the VP election is disappointing. This isn't the time for 'whataboutery', ego or anger. This is the time for courage, leadership and unity. I believe, Mamata Banerjee, who is the epitome of courage, will stand with the opposition," Alva tweeted.

The TMC had decided to abstain from the polls as it did not agree with the selection of the opposition candidate. Mamata Banerjee has held talks with TMC MPs in the regard. They were angered by the fact that the opposition had announced a joint candidate without consulting Mamata Banerjee.

Former West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar is the NDA’s candidate in the vice-presidential polls. The opposition’s candidate Margaret Alva has served as the former Governor of Rajasthan.