Presidential election: 'Numbers may be against us. But battle must be fought & fought hard', says Sonia Gandhi

"We can't and must not let India be hostage to those who wish to impose upon it narrow-minded, divisive and communal vision," says Sonia Gandhi. (Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Photo: PTI/File)

New Delhi: The battle for President and Vice-President is getting intense and Congress party president Sonia Gandhi at opposition parties' meet, on Sunday, said-"In these contests, numbers may be against us. But battle must be fought and fought hard". "We can't and must not let India be hostage to those who wish to impose upon it narrow-minded, divisive and communal vision," Sonia Gandhi added. "They are entrusted to discharge duties of offices in a manner that preserves, protects, defends both Constitution and the law," she said. Talking about Meira Kumar she said, "Together, Meiraji, Gopalkrishnaji will give us best possible President and Vice-President to steer society through crisis that has beset our country." "Both of these are", she added, "sadly, under siege today". Meanwhile, the BJP parliamentary board would meet on Monday to pick the ruling NDA's vice presidential candiadate. A parliamentary board member said the meeting is expected on Monday evening. An alliance of 18 opposition parties, including the Congress, has already announced Gopalkrishna Gandhi as its candidate for vice presidential poll scheduled for August 5. July 18 is the last date for filing of nominations. How many MPs will elect President of India? The electoral college for the election consists of 790 MPs of the two chambers of Parliament. The ruling bloc enjoys an overwhelming majority in the electoral college and BJP has expressed confidence about garnering anywhere between 500 and 550 votes. (With inputs from agencies)