NDA split over Prez poll, to consult CMs
NDA leaders Sushma Swaraj, Nitin Gadkari, L.K. Advani and Sharad Yadav at a meeting in New Delhi on Sunday.
A “token” contest or a “real” one: that is the dilemma facing the BJP-led NDA, reflected at its Sunday meeting to chalk out strategy for next month’s presidential election.
The BJP is reluctant to name its own candidate, given its numbers, so the alliance has several options — accept AIADMK-BJD candidate P.A. Sangma, Mamata Banerjee’s nominee A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, or endorse UPA choice Pranab Mukherjee. It is learnt RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is strongly pitching for former President Kalam.
The JD(U) wants to back Mr Mukherjee and is against a “token” contest. The Shiv Sena skipped Sunday’s meeting, saying its supremo Bal Thackeray is yet to take a call. The Sena is not in favour of Mr Sangma.
Speaking in Hardwar, Mr Bhagwat said: “(A.P.J. Abdul) Kalam is a nice man. He has nothing to do with politics. He is a common man’s choice.”
The BJP will now consult all NDA chief ministers, and open channels with the AIADMK and BJD. Sources said some BJP leaders are also in touch with the YSR Congress. The party is also keenly watching Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamul Congress, which named Dr Kalam, and is waiting for the Left parties to take a final call.
The mood at Sunday’s meeting, held at NDA working chairman L.K. Advani’s residence, was that the NDA should contest, but there was no consensus on whether to support Mr Sangma or Dr Kalam.
The NDA later said “more discussion” was required to reach the “right decision”.
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