Hamid Ansari could write to MPs ofthe UPA and supporting parties seeking their support for hiscandidature for the Vice Presidential elections scheduled forAugust 7.
The ruling alliance is confident of a comfortable winwith 500 plus votes in the electoral college of around 790.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal saidUPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is going to host a lunch for itsmembers as also those from suporting parties ahead of theelections. Non-UPA MPs from SP, BSP, RJD and JD(S) are alsobeing invited to the lunch.
The elections will witness a straight contest betweenAnsari and NDA candidate Jaswant Singh.
Replying to a question, Bansal said the issue of DeputyChaiman of the Rajya Sabha will be decided by holding talkswith the allies after the Vice Presidential elections.
There have been no indications so far whether Congresshas held talks with AIADMK and BJD whose candidate wassupported by BJP in Presidential elections.
Jaswant Singh is likely to meet Tamil Nadu Chief MinisterJ Jayalalithaa on August 6 seeking her support for hiselection bid.
Though the numbers are stacked highly against Singh, BJPis making all efforts to put up a respectable contest. Otherthan NDA partners, BJP is trying to reach out to non-Congressparties, nominated and Independent MPs.