Presidential polls: Can NDA arrive at a consensus over its candidate?

New Delhi: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seems to be divided over nominating its presidential candidate against UPA's Pranab Mukherjee - a section of the key NDA constituent JD(U) is against a contest, particularly since APJ Abdul Kalam, seen as a rival candidate, is unwilling to run against the Finance Minister.

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar is expected to break his silence on the presidential elections in Patna today. Sources say Nitish is not in favour of a contest, and instead prefers Pranab Mukherjee as a consensus candidate in race to Raisina Hills.

But sources close to Mr Kumar conceded that their leader's call for consensus is not so easy to achieve. A section of the BJP, especially Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, will make sure that his party and other constituents of the NDA - with whom he enjoys a better rapport - not only shoot down the consensus call, but also come forward with an NDA candidate, just to test the patience of the Bihar Chief Minister on this issue, as it wants a contest even if it means propping up the NCP's PA Sangma as a candidate. And if a contest happens, the BJP may seek Mamata Banerjee's support for Mr Sangma. (Read: Nitish Kumar vs Narendra Modi plays out in presidential poll too)

A crucial meeting of the NDA yesterday to decide on their candidate for the July 19 presidential polls ended without any consensus. After the two-hour-long meeting at BJP leader LK Advani's house, JD(U) Convenor Sharad Yadav told mediapersons that more deliberations are needed on the issue, and that "all the NDA chief ministers and people from outside will be consulted". Key NDA constituent Shiv Sena skipped the meeting. Party sources said the Sena is unhappy over the delay in announcing name of NDA candidate. Sources also said that the Sena is keen on a contest and wants a strong candidate. Sena spokesperson Rahul Narvekar, however, said, "Don't read much into Sena's absence from the meeting, the internal talks are on."

Advertisement

With an eye on the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP will have to also bear in mind that AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa - who the BJP assiduously tried to woo a few months ago - has extended her support to Mr Sangma. The former Speaker and NCP leader has also received the support of Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik; Mr Sangma has still not bowed out of the race despite his party leadership's stern warning.

After the NDA meeting yesterday, Mr Sangma said that he will appeal to all political parties to support his candidature. He reiterated that he is very much in the race for President. (Watch)

Advertisement

However, Mamata's party, the Trinamool Congress says that Ms Banerjee has asked Mr Sangma to take back his candidature. "Mamata spoke with Mr Sangma and asked him to take back his candidature in favour of Mr Kalam. We are now waiting for the official reaction from APJ Abdul Kalam, and we are waiting for him to accept our backing and say he is ready to stand for President," said Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh.

Also maintaining a studied silence so far is former President Dr Kalam, who Ms Banerjee is still rooting for, with her party even claiming that he may announce his candidature for the polls soon.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, throwing another spanner in the works was the RSS' Mohan Bhagwat who yesterday appeared to be backing APJ Abdul Kalam.

"Maharaj ji just gave his view regarding Abdul Kalam, that it would be good if he were to become President. This is an opinion of India's common man. Everyone else is stating their choice, now Abdul Kalam is not someone with a corrupt nature. He has values and he is good," Mr Bhagwat said in Haridwar on Sunday.

Advertisement

However, with majority votes now behind Mr Mukherjee, the big question is whether the NDA can put up a united front against him.