My post was not thrust on me, says Vice-President

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Tuesday sought to dispel perceptions that the post he holds was thrust on him.

"I know what many people think but I will not dwell on that. The Vice President's post was not thrust on me," he said while addressing a meet-and-greet programme with eminent citizens in Vijayawada on completing two years in office.

"I felt sad at that time (when he assumed charge as Vice President) for having to leave the party and also that I can't be active with the people. It's no secret. But I tried to give a new dimension to the Vice President's post by trying to engage with all (sections of) people and enlighten myself," he said.

Showing the right path to people is one of the responsibilities of the Vice President, he added.

As Vice President, Naidu has so far toured 22 countries as diplomacy was a 'powerful way of influencing others.'