The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of M. Venkaiah Naidu, from the Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under Clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.
Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Narendra Singh Tomar, Cabinet Minister, shall be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in addition to his existing portfolios and Smriti Zubin Irani, Cabinet Minister, shall be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in addition to her existing portfolio.
Naidu has been nominated to contest this year's vice presidential elections on behalf of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He will be contesting the elections against UPA nominee Gopal Krishna Gandhi.
-ANI