NEW DELHI: Former West Bengal Governor and NDA-backed Jagdeep Dhankar was elected as the 14th Vice-President of India.

He defeated Opposition candidate Marharet Alva after securing 528 votes against 182 votes secured by Alva.

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Dhankar on being elected as Vice President of India.

"Congratulations to Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji on being elected India’s Vice President with resounding support across party lines. I am confident he will be an outstanding Vice President. Our nation will gain tremendously from his intellect and wisdom. @jdhankhar1," PM Modi said in a tweet.

"I thank all those MPs who have voted for Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji. At a time when India marks Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we are proud to be having a Kisan Putra Vice President who has excellent legal knowledge and intellectual prowess. @jdhankhar1," he added.

He was congratulated by many ruling and opposition leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.