Regional parties hold ace to race

May 01, 2012 - Venkatesh Kesari and Yojna Gusai |

New Delhi

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Regional players are emerging kingmakers in the coming presidential election after main Opposition BJP refused to back a Congress nominee on Monday.

BJP also made it clear it was not interested in a quid pro quo or getting vice-presidentship. A section of NDA, Samajwadi Party, AIADMK and TDP are suggesting the name of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, but the Left, some UPA constituents and Congress are unlikely to agree.

In such a situation, Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal can emerge the dark horse. A section of UPA and the federal front, besides NDA, are positive about him. Even a Punjab Congress leader said on Monday the state unit could not oppose Mr Badal.

NDA is hopeful about Mr Badal being acceptable at least for the office of vice-president because of the goodwill he enjoys even among some non-NDA parties.

Congress has floated some names for the top post and is waiting for its allies to respond. In Chennai, DMK president M. Karunanidhi said some names were discussed with defence minister A.K. Antony.

In New Delhi, leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj (BJP) ruled out supporting finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, vice-president Hamid Ansari or any other candidate who may be put up by Congress, but was open to supporting anyone chosen by non-Congress parties.

RJD pitched for Mr Ansari saying, “He is the natural claimant to the highest post... He should be promoted.”

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