New Delhi:Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, a veteran BJP leader from Andhra Pradesh, will be NDA’s vice presidential candidate, party president Amit Shah said today.

Naidu was chosen at the BJP Parliamentary board meeting here attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior party leaders.

The 68-year old Naidu currently holds the portfolios of Information and Broadcasting and Housing and Urban Affairs.

The former BJP president is pitted against Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who was chosen by an alliance of 18 opposition parties, including the Congress.

The electoral college for the August 5 election consists of 790 MPs of the two chambers of Parliament.

Naidu will file his nomination tomorrow at 11 AM, Shah said.

Tomorrow is the last day for the filing of nominations.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in series of tweets said: I know M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu for years. Have always admired his hardwork and tenacity. A fitting candidate for the office of Vice President. A farmer’s son, M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu brings years of experience in public life and is admired across the political spectrum. The years of Parliamentary experience M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu has will hep him discharge the important role of Rajya Sabha Chairperson.