PTI
 
New Delhi, Jul 9: The names of two grandsons of Mahatma Gandhi are among those doing the rounds as possible candidates of the UPA-Left for the Vice-Presidential election, the process for which was formally set in motion on Monday.

West Bengal Governor Gopal Gandhi as also former MP Rajmohan Gandhi are being mentioned in political circles but a section of the Left parties has reservations over Gopal Gandhi in the wake of his statement following the Nandigram incident.

"For the Vice-Presidential election, it was decided that we should suggest the name of a person who does not belong to the Congress party," CPI(M) has said in a resolution adopted at its Central Committee meeting last month.

Rajmohan Gandhi had unsuccessfully contested against Rajiv Gandhi some two decades back from Amethi in the Lok Sabha polls.

The names of Mushirul Hasan, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia varsity, film maker Shyam Benegal and noted journalist N. Ram are also being talked about.

While speculation on the name of CPI General Secretary A.B. Bardhan is there, it appears unlikely given the fact the UPA-Left Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil is from Maharashtra, Bardhan's home state.

With Pratibha Patil of the Congress getting the Presidential nomination, a non-Congress candidate is expected to fill the Vice-Presidential slot.

DMK is also reported to be pitching for the post.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission today issued a notification formally setting in motion the process for the August 10, 2007, Vice-Presidential poll to elect a successor to Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.