Patna, Jul 11 (IANS): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to back Hamid Ansari for a second term as vice president if the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) declares his candidature, leaders of the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) said.

Nitish Kumar, who heads the JD-U, is supporting the UPA's nominee Pranab Mukherjee in the July 19 presidential election and is believed to be in favour of Ansari too.

"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is in favour of supporting Hamid Ansari if the UPA declares his candidature for the upcoming vice presidential polls," said a senior JD-U leader, considered close to Nitish Kumar.

Another leader said Nitish Kumar had told the party that Ansari was the best option for the JD-U's support.

The vice presidential elections will be held Aug 7, if required. The last date for filing nominations is July 20. The date for the scrutiny of nomination is July 21, while the last date for the withdrawals is July 23.