Nuclear energy only option before country: Ansari

In an interactive session with the students of the Doon School here, on the occasion of the famed institution's 77th Founder's Day, Ansari said, "Given the country's energy requirements in the years to come and our limited resources, nuclear energy is of high priority."

The vice president, who preferred questions from students rather than making a speech to mark the occasion, said a vibrant democracy meant not just a stable government but also a strong opposition.

Asked whether as Rajya Sabha Chairman he would prefer a strong opposition or a stable government, he said there was no contradiction between the two when seen in a broader perspective and they were integral parts of a vibrant democracy.

Replying to another question regarding Sachin Tendulkar being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the vice president said his genius as a cricketer and great wealth of experience as a sportsman will be beneficial in many ways to the government in promotion of sports.

"Considering the size and population of the country, it seems we are not where we deserve to be internationally in the sporting arena. That is perhaps because as a nation we have neglected sports and with people like Tendulkar in Parliament, it can be easier to give more attention to the lacuna and achieve that goal," the vice president said.

When asked whether as Rajya Sabha Chairman he had to witness passage of a bill despite his personal reservations, the Vice President said, "I am the only one who does not have a vote in the House. So the question of my agreeing or disagreeing to a legislation does not arise. I am just like a referee in a hockey match." MORE