The NDA is likely to meet today to decide on its presidential candidate. The BJP, which leads the coalition, wants to put up a candidate against UPA's choice Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. But the NDA is divided over this.
Here are top 10 facts on this developing story
BJP ally Shiv Sena says it backs Mr Mukherjee. But "there is no bitterness between us and the BJP," said Sena leader Sanjay Raut. (Why Sena is supporting Pranab for president)
Mr Mukherjee reportedly called up Sena chief Bal Thackeray and his son Uddhav Thackeray, the party executive president, on Monday, to solicit their support. In an editorial in his party magazine, Bal Thackeray wrote, "Pranab Mukherjee is a capable candidate...it is unfortunate that NDA cannot find its own candidate." (Who is Pranab Mukherjee?)
Another BJP ally, Nitish Kumar, has said the president should be selected by consensus, indicating his preference for the Finance Minister. (Your choice for President? Vote Here)
BJP-led coalition, NDA, meets today in Delhi.
LK Advani and others determined to use presidential election to prove the opposition is strong. They know the math favours Mr Mukherjee, but are not comfortable supporting the UPA ahead of the general election of 2014.
So they want to support PA Sanmga, former Speaker.
He is the candidate of chief minsters J Jayalalithaa and Navin Patnaik
The UPA, with the support of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati, and smaller parties like Lalu Prasad's RJD, is likely to get 54% of the vote; more if the Left chips in.
Mr Sangma will manage about 30% of the vote if the BJP supports him. If Mamata Banerjee's party joins in, 33% of the electoral college could vote for him.
Ms Banerjee, who has rejected Mr Mukherjee though she participates in the UPA, is allegedly in favour of abstaining.
