PM Narendra Modi hopes Naidu will serve as Vice-Predisent with dedication & diligence

India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Venkaiah Naidu (L) and Narendra Modi attend a party meeting in New Delhi May 18, 2009. Congress' alliance took 261 seats, sweeping aside its nearest rival, the bloc led by the Hindu-nationalist BJP, which won only 159 combined. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA POLITICS) - RTXIOHG

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Venkaiah Naidu on being elected as the Vice President and expressed confidence that he will serve the nation with dedication and diligence, committed to the goal of nation-building.

The prime minister's message came immediately after Naidu, the ruling NDA's candidate, was declared the winner in the vice presidential polls, bagging 516 votes out of total 771 votes cast.

The opposition's candidate Gopal Krishna Gandhi could only manage 244 votes.

"Congratulations to @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu on being elected India’s Vice President. My best wishes for a fruitful & motivating tenure," Modi tweeted.

Congratulations to @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu on being elected India’s Vice President. My best wishes for a fruitful & motivating tenure.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2017

Talking about their association, Modi said, "My mind is filled with memories of working with @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu, in the party & government. Will cherish this aspect of our association.

My mind is filled with memories of working with @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu, in the Party & Government. Will cherish this aspect of our association

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2017