New Delhi: Opposition candidate for Vice Presidential election, Gopalkrishna Gandhi today met Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MPs here ahead of the poll on August 5.

Gandhi met the parliamentarians at MP Bhartruhari Mahtab's official residence where MPs Pinaki Mishra, Baijayant Panda, Pratyusha Rajeswari, Prasanna Patasani, Anubhav Mohanty and Pratap Deb among others were present.

Speaking to reports, Gandhi recollected his Odisha connection saying that eminent economist Prabhat Patnaik and Jayant Das, descendant of Utkala Mani Gopabandhu Das, are his good friends.

"I have personally derived inspiration from the lives of Utkal Mani and great gandhian Rama Devi," said Gandhi.

"I also had many opportunities of visiting Odisha and every time I have done so, I have been very graciously received by Naveen Babu (Naveen Patnaik), with whom and with whose sister (Gita Mehta) I have enjoyed many years of warm friendship," he said.

Worth mentioning, the BJD has decided to support Gandhi in the Vice Presidential election.