It is ready to back either Abdul Kalam or Sangma
Ahead of the NDA's crucial meeting on the Presidential election, the BJP is veering round to the view that it should not allow the post to go uncontested.
There are indications that at the NDA meeting, scheduled here for Sunday morning, the party will vigorously advocate the candidature of the former Lok Sabha Speaker, P.A. Sangma, who has already secured the backing of the AIADMK and the BJD.
Ideally, the BJP would have liked the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to enter the fray. Since the NDA leaders have not got his nod so far, it is inclined to throw its weight behind Mr. Sangma.
According to NDA leaders, efforts are still on to persuade Mr. Kalam to contest the election. Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy called on the former President and conveyed the strong desire of the NDA and other parties to see him once again at Rashtrapathi Bhavan.
The BJP is conscious of the reservations of the NDA constituents, like the JD (U), about entering the contest, in which the numbers are heavily stacked in favour of the UPA nominee and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
Senior BJP leaders are talking to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to convince him of the need for putting up a fight against Mr. Mukherjee.
The BJP's ‘Core Group,' which met at the residence of president Nitin Gadkari here, took stock of the developments and decided to leave the final decision to the NDA.
The dominant view at the two-hour meeting — attended by L.K. Advani and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj — was that it would be in the larger interest of the party to back Mr. Sangma's candidature.
Three factors influenced the outcome of the meeting. At a juncture when the UPA has become very unpopular, the BJP would not like to be seen on the same side as the ruling alliance. In the assessment of the party leaders, backing Mr. Sangma — who says he is contesting in his capacity as a tribal leader — would send a positive signal.
Most important, the party would not like to go against the wishes of the AIADMK and the BJD, which could be potential allies in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP leaders concede that they have their work cut out in view of the clear signal from one of the main constituents of the NDA — JD(U) — that it is in favour of Mr. Mukherjee's candidature.
Shivanand Tiwari, a JD (U) leader considered a confidant of Mr. Nitish Kumar, said that personally he felt “a senior and respected leader like Pranab Mukherjee, who is going into retirement [from active politics], should be given a graceful send-off.”
In another development, Rajya Sabha MP Ram Jethmalani was quoted by a news agency as saying he would contest in the Presidential poll. Though Mr. Mukherjee was his friend, he said, he would oppose his candidature. “I may lose, but I will stand in the election,” he said. “Pranab hasn't revealed the names of black money holders.” He would fight and expose the truth. The BJP leaders said it was his personal view.
Keywords: Presidential polls, BJP, NDA, P.A. Sangma, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Pranab Mukherjee, consensus candidate
Mr.RamJethmalani is 100% correct.Pranab has not taken up the case of black money in foreign banks so far.His statements are also not for bringing blackmoney from forign banks .Pranab was not revealing even the names of account holders in foreign banks declared as black money.The reason Pranab given even in Court was more riduculous.Making him a President will be like giving milk to a cat and expecting it not to drink.He will spend his experience and talent in protecting the criminals and culprits only .Let Pranab retire as a minister .
Leaders !Try for Mr.Kalam ,even if it means contest. If he cannot be pursuaded ,all parties should support Mr.Sangma only .
But, Mr.Kalamji! please rise up and save the country .
In view of the fact that congress is certain to support only Pranab Mukerjee its official candidate, all the non congres parrties, including BJP, AADMK,shivasena and CPM and other parties should unitedly support MR.Saangma, without hesitation, so that the fight will be streight and fruitful.Abdul Kalam is just suits,but having been In presidentship, and not liked by congress and toher minded parties, let us not take chances of our all out for Saangma only.
Mr Mukherjee must not win uncontested, as he is neither capable nor unbiased. Did he do anything about price rise or black money as FM? Is his unflinching loyalty to the Gandhis (with doubtful credentials) an asset? BJP must support a non-Congress candidate. Dr Kalam being an honest and learned person fits the post most. BJP must convince him to contest, as the country needs him badly. If he doesn't contest, BJP should support Mr Sangma even if JD(U) opposes it. JD(U) is not a party with any difference. They too are ruling Bihar using musclemen picked based on caste and community considerations. The nation craves for a radical change where honest people irrespective of their castes and communities, adorn the citadels of governance.
Now the Time is coming to change the whole governance system.The present
governance system is designed by British to exploit Indian People.The
country should think about appropriate Governance system,in which
people's participation should be more.We Should adopt USA governance
System.
Its high time that former president Dr APJ Adul Kalam is not being supported by many even by major parties in his own state. Congress just dont support him because Dr Kalam's candidature proposed by BJP. neverthless he has been India's pride. Previous presidents could be seen in public during Republic day and independence day parade. BUt Dr Kalam i could say was the most active president moving to every corner of the country and set up fire in the minds of young. Starting from giving a Vision of Developed India by 2020, he Ignited minds during many interactions with childrens all around india. he made Indians to realise indians can be world beaters in his Wings of Fire. He had changed the stature of Rashtraathi Bhavan by his simplicity. Since every poliical party is aligning keeping in mind of 2014 Lok sabha elections,Whether he is elected or not hes the most deserving candidate for president of India. MOre than that he is the PEOPLEs PRESIDENT. I wish all the best for his future.
If opposition does not contest, it will be suicidal for them in 2014
election. After all Pranab is the Congress leader. If he goes
uncontested then Congress will consolidate. Further, Jethmalani has
correctly said that Pranab knows the names of all black money holders
which he is not disclosing because majority of them from Congress and
allies, even if he himself not. He has shielded all corruption and scams
of Congress and now wants to hold the top position?
For BJP and AIADMK, a good compromise and winning team will be Kalam as Presidential Candidate with Sangma as VP candidate. If Kalam is not willing, try Sangma for President and a South Indian for VP.
Ideally, Dr. Kalam should be the ideal choice for the President post, but he should not be dragged in to political controversy. Unless he is chosen for the post uncontested and unanimously by all the parties including the Congress which is very much unlikely, Mr. Sangma will be the most suitable candidate. With BJP and other opposition parties supporting him Mr. Sangma can prove to be the winning candidate with his tribal back ground and clean and non controversialimage.
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