Mulayam, Mamata propose Manmohan, Kalam, Somnath as candidates
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her new political comrade, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, sent Lutyen's Delhi into a spin on Wednesday evening after they announced a list of three candidates for the Presidency that included the name of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh – the other two were the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee.
Download graphic: How the Numbers Might Stack Up
This was barely an hour after Ms. Banerjee revealed to a battery of TV cameras outside 10 Janpath that Congress president Sonia Gandhi had told her that Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari, in that order, were her party's choices for the next incumbent of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Understandably, the introduction of Dr. Singh's name has led to wild speculation in political circles, ranging from talk about a “fixed match” — that the Congress wants to change the face of a government that has been battered by financial scandals and inability to control prices — to trying to fathom the meaning of the Banerjee-Yadav offensive.
There was total silence at the time of writing from both the Congress and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) with most senior leaders switching off their phones. There was no official statement clarifying the position of Dr. Singh as the Congress' political managers went into a huddle, working the phones with their allies to recalculate the numbers.
However, while Congress sources The Hindu spoke to appeared taken aback by the Banerjee-Yadav announcement, they all stressed that it was inconceivable that Ms. Gandhi would conspire with Mr. Yadav and Ms. Banerjee to rid the government of Dr. Singh. But whatever the circumstances, the announcement has embarrassed the Congress and placed Dr. Singh in a false position, with talk that the allies don't trust him to continue as Prime Minister.
For, after the Prime Minister's name was introduced into the presidential race, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who had earlier indicated support for Mr. Mukherjee, said, “The UPA will have to work on a consensus candidate in the light of the TMC-SP proposing the PM as one of their choices for President…A way out will have to be found.''
Of the Congress' major allies, only the Dravida Munnetra Kazhgham (DMK) has said that it will back the Congress' choice for President and that it is happy with Dr. Singh continuing as Prime Minister.
Clearly, the Congress will now have to rethink its strategy on the presidential election. It can either push Mr. Mukherjee's name and call Ms. Banerjee's bluff, or it could go back to the drawing board. What the party will do, party sources said, will hinge on the numbers they can still muster.
Of course, here, the Banerjee-Yadav duo's announcement is being read in political circles as a direct challenge to the Congress and Ms. Gandhi. By muddying the political waters, the two leaders could be, Congress sources said, trying to ensure a contest that the party could lose. And if that were to happen, that would spell the demise of the UPA government and elections, something that would suit the Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party: both parties have in the last one year won impressive victories in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The earlier the next general elections the greater their chances of winning a majority of the Lok Sabha seats in their respective States.
For Ms. Banerjee, her new-found friendship with Mr. Yadav also removes the possibility of the SP replacing the Trinamool in the UPA, something that has been considered over the last six months, with the former blocking a range of Congress political initiatives. Indeed, she has been in constant touch of late with Mr. Yadav on the Presidential election. Together, the two parties hold 10.6 per cent of the votes in the electoral college. Mr. Yadav's reasons for joining forces with Ms. Banerjee, Congress sources say, could be that he is unhappy that the disproportionate assets case pending against him has not been sorted out yet.
Earlier in the day, an SP leader told The Hindu that his party rejected the names suggested by Ms. Gandhi, even as Mr. Yadav appealed to all political parties to support one of the candidates of their choice. No reasons were given for not accepting the Congress nominees.
After the SP and Trinamool made their dramatic announcement at a crowded press conference at Mr. Yadav's residence, Ms. Banerjee replied in the negative when asked whether she had mentioned any of these names to Ms. Gandhi when she met her on Wednesday. She said they emerged after her 45-minute-long meeting with Mr. Yadav. Asked who the first choice of the duo was, Mr. Singh asserted, “There is no priority.''
Keywords: Presidential polls, Pranab Mukherjee, Hamid Ansari, Mamata Banerjee, Sonia Gandhi, UPA allies, Mulayam Singh Yadav
The article says that M. singh Y is unhappy that his disproportionate assets case has not been settled to his satisfaction; and that will influence his thinking on collaboration with congress. He should take a lesson from Andhra, where, so long as the person was with the party in power at the centre he was safe, the day he fell out with it, he is in prison. SATYAM EVA JAYATE (Or is it ASATYAM?)
India would be doing a favour and honour, by nominating Mr. Ratan Tata. Hon. Mr.APJ Abdul Kalam has served the country, but still he could serve the country, had he not involved in petty politics. This is the price he is paying. It is deeply unfortunate and regrettable.
Manmohan Singh didnt want to become a PM, but he was made, just because Sonia could be the pseudo PM. Manmohan just accepted, remained silent and didn't wield any power. Now, Manmohan's name (the PM) is suggested for the president post (worthless) by a CM. Again there is no reaction from Manmohan. If based on coalition numbers Sonia insists that he be the president, he will become the president too. Sad that we have a PM that is no leader and has no voice. Let him be the intellect he is. Please!!
What about AMIR KHAN as our next President? He is young, dynamic and well-respected for his stand on social issues.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is clear choice of each and every Indian. He is the most eligible person for such a prestigious post like president.
The best persons for President are :1) Somnath Chatterjee 2) Pranab Mukerjee 3) Hamid Ansari
reflecting on such a useless issue as election of a ceremonial president i suggest making Digvijay singh the president and Sachin tendulkar the VP and all those blokes in UPA can play cricket in raisana hill , well as far as this economy thing , it can wait till the next elections since it the problem for the next government. After all the UPA blokes have made enough money till now so why would they bother about pressing issues.
@palak - Precisely. Now u know know they want him rubber stamp ;-) @Samuk - U called the bluff of Congress. Mr. Narayanamurthy as president please.
The election of the president of Indian Republic should not make an issue in public
Who care's the presidential candidate ? x or y?
Why didn't bring to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for our country's president he is honest man.If it bring to our country public election the people will elect Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for president post. Our country's law is very very worst,I like American rules.
Why not Anna Hazare or for that matter Sachin Tendulkar,politics at its most shallowest these times around.
nice news item by THE HINDU. but the comments given by our readers are very excellent and thought provoking and the comment by sri R.Vijaykumar and sri Sundar are practical one for good future of India.let us hope we get a able president who can up hold our national dignity.
Why are we wasting our time in the name of presidential election? As all we know this is just a ceremonial post and nothing is going to change. This is the right time to talk about abolishing of the post of President. Judicial activism is better than vesting the powers with ceremonial President.
This looks like a complete drama scripted by congress and directed by Sonia Gandhi with two comedians Mulayam and Mamata playing the main part. The silencer Manmohan Singh will be pushed either to Rashtrapati Bhavan or oblivion and then Rahul Gandhi will be pushed for Prime Minister post and not Pranab Mukerjee (His disastrous finance minister stint will be made the reason. Sonia, Manmohan and Pranab has downgraded Indian economy to the level of bankrupt Italian economy). Congress has still not officially announced its President candidate and it can be anyone as far as they are able to push Manmohan out of the Prime Minister post to make back door entry for Rahul. Don't be surprised if there are processions carried out by congress supporters urging to make Rahul as PM or some congress supporter putting a gun on his head a threatening to commit suicide if Rahul is not made the Prime Minister or some other drama like this. I even suspect Pranab is aware of the same and will not be surprised.
Everyone is squabbling for political leverage and special packages , but what about the leverage being lost by India in national progress.
i think the best one who had more chances to become a president of india again ,, may be a A.P.J Abdul kalam
First and foremost thing which one should keep in mind is that whosoever gets nominated for Presidential poll from any party doesn't hold anything good. Mamata is a perfect example of One who don't know what to do with power. she is just playing what we can say is dirty politics.
I think Manmohan is a ideal condidate for President post, and lucky one to get PM and president post without any political base .
Looks like a reality show in the making(!)
Congress cannot behave like a big brother. At the Centre, we have a coalition government (UPA) and not a Congress Government. It is a pity that the party in power at the Centre from Tamil Nadu could not make any political capital for the sake of the State while Mamata and Maulayam assert their position as coalition/supporting partners. It is time that Congress realises 100 times that it is a coalition government, all the partners in the coalition should be consulted, UPA coordination meeting should be held frequently NOT ONLY on presidential candidature but also on all important legislation/economic actions. Ms. Sonia Gandhi may like to have Cabinet Status as Chair-person of UPA, but does not call for meeting of UPA on important matters pertaining to the Government, looks awkward.
It is shocking to know that PM has been added as presidential candidate by Congress?Has congress high Command already decided for next PM before making this announcement?It may be a political stunt by TMC and SP to extract more favors from Government as bargain.Ultimately both are going to reconcile with Congress after the DEAL.
The Congress can give a fitting reply to the MM the new political conspirators gang, by announcing Dr,Singh as the Presidential candidate.By doing so Mrs,Gandhi can change the leadership of the UPA preferring Mr,Pranab Mukerjee which can save the face of the government which is now in a very pathetic condition. After the Presidential election, the Congress should drop the TMC from the UPA and can take the support of Bahujan Samaj party which will definitely join the UPA govt to ridicule Mr,Mulyam and his son.
I think article has rightly pointed out that congress or other allied parties want to disengage or PM from the PMO. I'm not sure if it is the right time, but in that case Mukherjee may have chances of joining the PMO or the worst would be if Mrs. Gandhi capture the driver's seat. I'm hopeful that nothing would happen like it unless or until political drama took complete round turn to make it more messy.
The best candidate for Presidential post is Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. I support the speech of Hema. Presidential post is one of the supreme post where only high visionary person can occupy. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has already experienced this post and his vison and strategy can lead India to developed country. I support the announcement of Mulyam Sing Jadav and Mamata Banerjee.
The woman with two mobile phones in her hand seems to be calling the shots. I sympathise with Dr Manmohan Singh. He is being demoted to doing what he knows best, being a good rubber stamp. I suppose all of the candidates mentioned so far are a vast improvement on the current rubber stamp. The media is caught up in a frenzy to choose somebody for this largely ceremonial post when they should be concentrating on the real issues of the land.... ......
Dr.MMS would be the right candidate. No change in job description. Only change is residence from 7,Race course road to Rashtrapathi Bhavan...
Dr A.P.J abdul kalam will be the best choice for the post of President...but we are not so lucky people ....Madam will put some rubber stamp like she did last time ... .........It would have been very good and we Indian will be blessed If Madam become the PRESIDENT OF INDIA
Three options in front of congress 1) PM agrees. moves over . Priyanka takes over with Pranab as deputy P.M 2) Talk to BJP. Offer VP post to them and get Pranab elected. 3) Ask CBI to Help - Sorry direct CBI to do the job of getting their candidate elected. the irony is pranab cannot do the problem solving now.
Politicians like Mamta are a perennial disaster for Central Politics. She is a destructor and won't allow good policies to be passed implemented. She is playing a dirty politics in the Presidential elections. Mulayam has lent a helping hand and this goes to show he is also not trustworthy. Other politicians like Mayawati, Jayalalitha are no good either. It is high time the President is directly elected by the people and not left to the whims and fancies of unscruplous politicians. Only two candidates should be in the fray and at best three. If there are multiple contestants then a panel of CJI/CEC/CVC should select from the contestants the top three in order of their credibility and public service and they be put to vote. The winner should be the President and the second should be the Vice President. This would cut politicians to size. But who is to bell this cat. Shame on the politicians who are playing dirty politics
As per my opinion this is the Sonia Gandhi political game, she want to change PM with honor so president post is best for Manmohan singh as congress can't go in new election in 2014 with the same government & PM and that is good for government and country to change the PM now. as every body know who is the decision maker in congress but in spite of that they need new face as PM. but now the question who will command the congress government, first name is Rahul Gandhi. but he didn't do anything big till now politically and we don't think so he is mature enough to become PM in this kind of worse situation when congress does not have complete majority in LS. So only choice is Pranab Mukharji as PM and He can take good and strong decision.
Presidential election is not much about who the candidate is as about the test of coalition strength for both UPA & NDA. All the candidates have the eligibility to become the President of India. The best way for forward in this game of realpolitik is to focus more on building consensus and consolidating their partnerships with allies than sticking to specific candidates. This will help in reinforcing the coalition strength ahead of the 2014 general elections.
This is the best piece of politics M-M have done by stalling the
Congress plan. In such a financial disastrous situation how can one
relieve the FM to flee? He is the part of the problem for such financial
crisis and now wants to enjoy the lawn of President's palace" Shameful.
Congress wanted to place their candidate so that he can manipulate the
fractured 2014 result in their favour. That the country is sinking is
none of the headaches of Congress unpatriotic elements.
It is Congress plan to change the guard at the center in the name of presidential election,bringing down Manmohan as PM and put him as president,elevating Pranab as PM or may be Rahul!cooling down its allies with financial packages and going slow on assets cases.so that every party gains from presidents election.I think asking Prathiba to continue as President will be best idea!,it will save every ones time politicians,media and ours...!
Why are they suggesting Dr. Manmohan Singh for that supreme post? As
we know under Mr. Singh regime, It seems everyone has got"
Valid License" for rampant corruption.
If they want one more name, here it is: Mr Ratan Tata. Why not?
Manmohan singh would make,first man Prime minister + President, a new record.
India is fast approaching a situation where a national alliance of regional parties would form the central govt in India keeping away, the congress, the BJP and the Left. At this point of uncertainity over the presidential choice someone should suggest names of people like the former CEC of India Mr. J M Lyngdoh
Though one is saddened by the way PM's name is being proposed for
Presidentship, I am of the opinion that the President's post should be
kept reserved for people eminent in their own fields- Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam- Scientist and Statesman, with a head and a heart, Dr Manmohan
Singh- eminent Economist, who the world listened to at the time of
Recession.
After all, the President's post is a ceremonial post and frequently
can exhibit the progressive face of India to the rest of the world.
Neither Dr Kalam, nor Dr Singh are politicians. They cannot survive
the dirtly world of politics. Either of them should be unanimously
elected.
Mamata did a great service to Indian people, proposing the name of Prof.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam a great space scientist.We all are fed up with corrupt politicians.
While the nation's economy and the currency are both on a free fall, politicians from both sides of the aisle waste time and taxpayer money with such silly games and political one-upmanship. And all the while prices spiral out of control, deficits widen, infrastructure crumbles, and policy making is non-existent. Is it any wonder the vast majority of Indians want to get rid of these people and replace their mindless cacophony with Narendra Modi?
Mamata Banerjee is a shame on coalition politics and is an example of how the regional parties are arm twisting the central government and bringing the governance to a hold. As long as this so called Didi stays in the coalition, not a single issue can be taken up by the UPA govt unless it is about west bengal. She has already done enough damage to the country by stopping the reforms in the railway budget just to safeguard her "aam aadmi" political interests. Now she wants to influence this presidential election only to gain some political mileage and not even remotely for the country's benefit.
With a fractured mandate at the centre creating a political impasse in implementing reforms there is every possibility of a national government coming into force with the President playing a critical role at least till the next general elections. In such a scenerio Dr.Manmohan Singh would be the right choice for the post of President as the country would require his reowned economic wisdom to steer through stormy waters engulfing the country in the past 3 years. The national government could agree on a common minimum program to take the country on the high road of development and ideological differeces could take a back seat to take the economic reforms process forward. The experiment could even pave the way for a Presidential form of Governmet in future as suggested by the former President Late R.Venkataraman.Let good sense prevail for once.
This is a good decision,but many people wants to seem A.P.J.Abdul Kalam as president.
TMC and sp's strategy had added fuel to the obfuscation going around the presidential candidate. i think Dr A.P.J abdul kalam could be an ideal candidate..
Thee must be some hard bargain going on. both SP and Mamata are demanding a package for their states. Ultimately Pranab will be made president but at a cost .finance ministry will shell out huge concession/grants to WB and UP. Jayalalita missed the bus. She should not have announced support for sangma. He is now nowhere in the picture. She lost a good opportunity . Mamata and Mulayam are more clever and will get what they want.
Now- MMS will decide who will become the next President of India! (MMS : Mamta, Mulayam & Sonia)
All of a sudden Sonia has found herself nowhere in the present politcal situation.
Contrary to the generally accepted opinion that Mamata is whimsical and undependable, she is a shrewd manipulator. Without an aptitude for strategy and ever-raedy capacity to take the first opportunity of a situation, she would not habe been able to oust the earlier ruling party. Even Rajiv Gandhi did fail in this effort. Please remember also the kind tolerance of the absurd demands of CPI (M) the earlier dispensation (UPA-1 ) had shown. So Mamata`s manipulations should not appear to be nothing new to the present dispensation. So far West Bengal is concerned, Pranab Mukherjee has no base . He is propped up by the local leaders of the Congress because of so-called clout in Delhi.But this clout is no use for West Bengal because he has not done anything for Bengal. And his party has lost the recent Municipal elections in Nalhati--a town in the district which is home.May I point out that in Bengali, Mamata is named as Mamata but in English she is derisively referred as DIDI which is bad.
Shri A p J Abdul Kalam is the most suitable person for the post under the present circumstances. Let all the parties , other than Congress, come to an understanding, keeping in view the Nation's progress and the present difficult situation in the country, choose him to be the next President of India. Jai Hind.
If Yadav's anger over Congress becuase of the 'disproportionate assets case pending against him has not been sorted out yet' and Didi happens to side with him, then she is on a wrong step. Mr Yadav should fight the case if he has nothing to hide. Holding the Government to ransom on personal issues should not be condoned. Didi could be using this to establish her power over Congress and to extract more for Bengal from the centre. Didi is playing a good political game for the sake of Bengal.
Omg..! Manmohan Singh...!! he is working just like Rubber stamp from the past few years..!! Abdul kalaam garu is the best person for the president..! Not getting the why mamata supporting manmohan singh .
Though it a clever tactic to dump non performing Manmohan Singh in to a decent.It also reveal a general sentiments among all the reality-biting people of this country.Bit just removing existing PM from his office will better the economic mess up? All the ministers should go.Congress should have PM and council of ministers who should go with economic policies to save Indian and India's poor.
Someone free of political aspiration- and never corrupted by political life- such as former Reserve bank Governor C.Rangarajan- should be nominated for the President.
thank you Mamata... see that Sam Pitroda becomes the President. If this is not 'acceptable' to others who have a say.... See that Abdul Kalam become President, and Sam Pitroda becomes Vice President...both the posts must be held by apolitical persons.. too much politics is hurting the nation.
Gopal Krishna Gandhi is the best man for this position at present situation. All others are to be dropped and ignored.
This government is now a big joke, first the congress party puts the onus on one person to make the final decision on the president and when she does her own party allies stub her. Time for an urgent overhall of the presidental election and even the PM. Until then we have to watch this embarrasing drama of Congress.
President is the Adhinayak, personifies the state and its Constitution. The Central core of India, comprising the executive functions of civil and armed services, of education and research, public and private sectors; is expected to be non-political i.e. Presidential and so do all those who report to him. Plus,as former President Kalam confirmed, also cater to aspirations of citizens, particularly school children and youth. The impasse created presently may be a blessing in disguise, could lead to emergence of a consensus candidate other than the proposed one. One name with excellent credentials, proven leadership skills and who could signify the value paradigm of Indian development is Infosys founder Mr. Murthy. There would be other worthy choices as well. Indian democracy has proven always that despite false starts and seemingly difficult situations, the inner workings of the political process mostly ensure sensible choices to Constitutional posts.
MMS seems to be better choice than Mukerjee for Congress. He has demonstrated abilities - blind Faith to Congress and allience leaders, working on convinence theory than rule of law, would be a definite help for Congress when 2014 election results are out and President would be a decision maker!!!. On other hand Mukerjee, though has lot of credentials, his last forgotten mixup in 2G scandal (the note!) would run against him as it could be seen non-faithful action. No wonder this is announcement is considered 'match-fixing'. MMS, All the best for more eventful years !!
Mamata to Mulayam, let the goverment collapse go for early election you will be the next PM.... Mulayam agreed....
I hope a consensus would be reached soon and the politicians can focus on other problems facing the country. We don't need another general election and uncertainty, in the current financial crisis. Somnath Chatterjee would make a great president and conducted the Lok Sabha extremely well during his tenure.
@Sevengrains - I can't stop laughing at your comment 'Let us not diminish the august post' - Either you are living in a different planet or still thinking this post has relevance, its a rubber stamp post and the last person who will get this again is APJ AK. I think MR MMS will be the best choice not because is has done something good but because India can salvage some pride relieving him from PM seat.
Would Mayawati be coming out asking for a dalit nomination for presidential candidature? The governance is definitely has gotten into wrong hands in our country. What kind of people have got powers of electing the most respected position of President of our nation. I am unable to digest the fact that the future of great visionaries like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is in hands of Mulayam/Mamata etc.
An excellent Finance Minister,he was - but became a silent, non- performing PM and so, it would not be difficult to continue his grateful service to Congress, if not to the country, as a special (rubber) brand President. Or Why not we call Congress President as our Country's President and that will save crores of rupees in election and other formalities. After all, we Indians like Foreign TV, Mobile, etc. and let us like a Foreigner President as well.
Manmohan Singh is one of the weakest PM of India and he was not elected in an undemocratic way. Manmohan Singh will go down in history as the PM of India that collaborated with the SL regime in committing human rights abuses against the Tamils. India needs a strong leadership and politicians and not the weak ones and puppets.
Reminds of a classic scene from the movie 'Shatranj ke Khiladi' by Satyajit Ray. The two firends are playing chess (dirty games) underneath a huge banyan tree (garb of tradition, in this case the garb of media and politics) while the English army in red coats is marching in Awadh. The game and its outcome is inconsequential for the fate of the country, but their corrupted egos find satiation only in outwitting each other while the country is falling. Bravo to The Hindu for giving this beautiful Banyan shade to both Sonia and Mamta, underneath which they can forever play their filthy games.
Can we not find someone non-political and not affiliated to any party with true credentials to be the President of India. We have about a billion people and how hard can it be to find a fresh name as the President of India?
Frankly speaking, Our Ex-President Mr APJ Kalam has brought laurels and good name to the august post. Most of the good thinking veterans and senior citizens likes the performance of our Ex President and thus our choice is only Mr APJ. Sri Mulayam and Smt Mamata have rightly choose the correct name for the august post. Our BJP,BSP,DMK,AIDMK,NC,TDP,TRS, YSRC,and all other good thinking parties should prove their worthiness by selecting Mr APJ is our next President.
This is perfect dummy job for MR.SINGH. He is first democratically unelected PM of India. He likes back door entry.
If Mamta and Yadav doesn't change their mind on receiving any kind of packages we may see hon'ble A.P.J Abdul kalam as president again as INC can never accept the other two(Mr.Singh & somnath). They don't have another rubber stamp to replace, and the later one is an opponent.
How unrealistic and illogical these political people are!!
This makes a perfect thriller story. I am enjoying every moment of this. Will there be a election soon?
The Mulayam, Mamata duo has outsmarted Congress and this was not predicted by any political analyst and the guess game is - has Congress used the duo to ease out Manmohan Singh? well let us wait and see. But if the due had really put the Congress to embarrassment why not Congress taking the other UPA partners into confidence approach NDA and strike a deal - President I choose - Vice President you choose. Well the next few days will tell us more. Whatever the out come, the country is being fooled when the economy is doldrums.
it hardly matters who becomes the President, but I guess that this coming elections will be a rough one for the Congress,considering its dubious performances in statecraft. So it will fall to any abyss(like nominating a serving Minister as Presidential candidate) to save its Poll prospects. I know everyone can see it. When Indira Gandhi selected the then Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Zail Singh as the President, every sane person then must have cried their hearts out for the utter contempt of the constitutional spirit. But this time if Mr Pranab is seated on that august seat, we wont be surprised...because Karl Marx had very aptly remarked that History repeats itself, first as tragedy, then...as a farce.
A.Raja and Kani is out and enjoying their millions, no wonder DMK is supporting the Congress. Guys, with a 7.5 growth rate while the rest of the world is filing bankruptcy, India should be in the TOP position. There cannot be another such economically viable situation to reach the superpower (AAA+) status. Dr. Kalam 2020 vision is here, now right in hand. If we can't do it NOW then NEVER. Wake up and ask what the decision makers in Delhi and States are doing. If you don't ask then who will?? Atleast bring to power who can ask. You know whom I am referring too.
Congress, being a major party shall show its alliance partners that they are the masters and cannot be dictated,come what it may be. President shall be of their choice. President candidate of congress and Vice- President candidate of BJP shall be better option and good for country.
How disgust,diplomatic approach is posed over Presidency Post selection. Every day there twist n tale politics is being stalled in controversy.Apparently, Ms. Mamata always seems to auger blatant Political influence in Coalition Politics and this is really humiliating in all aspects if you never follow 'HUMBLENESS'in personal opinions instead a troublesome bandwagon.
I think the googly is for Mms . M & M just acted like a mouth piece to MADAM . This may be the THRONING TIME for THE PRINCE . All the Best to India .OR It is a pity that the main opposition party couldn't use the vulnerability of the congress but these m&m exposed that . Bravo ! VERY Respectable Farewell to MMS .. ENJOY Sir .
Why not Anna Hazare ?
I propose (wondering why nobody) Dr. Farooq Abdullah's name instead of Dr. Kalam, One way he may be a consensus candidate. Even Jaya and Naveen accept it besides Mamata and Mulayam. I suspect he may be Karuna's choice. That's why he says let the heat slowdown. A Muslim from Kashmir in particular while AF-Pak and Siachen talks going on at par. Currently minister in Manmohan's cabinet. Aged and reliable. What else?
Are MSY and MB playing Sonia Gandhi's game? The game may be to promote Manmohan Singh to make room for the heir apparent. Rahul Gandhi, as PM, can later amply reward UP and West Bengal. One cannot think of any other reason why MS should be in the list of names acceptable to MSY and MB.
I am surprised how no one commented on this aspect of making our current PM as President- judicial impunity. When MMS will become President, the corrupt leaders in Congress would use Presidentship as shield against scams of UPA-II. Moreover hasn't a Gold medalist brilliant economist done enough damage by his lack of statesmanship that you are punishing this nation with his name, for another 5 long years when the reality is that Congress has lost faith of everyone except the blind-supporters.
I pray to almighty Kalam be the president... common man's wish. News paper polls also reflect..
Congrss is trying to make fool Common man. Every one is thinking that Trinamool supremo and SP supremo is against the plan of the congress. But in fact the Trinamool and SP is played by congress to accomplish the task for opening new way to change the PM. As we already knows that present PM is dumb and run by Sonia Gandhi. So they can not fight election in 2014 on the basis of current PM. But they can not simply step down present PM, So they will make him current PM as President and Pranab Mukherjee as new Prime Minister. In these two year congress will try change the image of present congress and they will fight for Lokshabha election. This is the whole plan of Congress.
Dr. Singh is a good choice for the Presidency of Indian Republic. Mr. FM should be promoted to prime minister which will be good in this stage of India affairs. Country can count on him.
Presidential Paribartan Our PM Dr. Manmohan Singh after what has been meted out to him deserves an elevation to the highest office of President of India. Pranabda with his experience in finance and external affairs and his exceptional skills at managing rogue coalitions would be an excellent choice for a Prime Minister. Chidambaram can come back to his ministry of finance. A new home minister can be appointed. Dinesh Trivedi railway minister AND hold your breath - Didi Vice President!!! She will control not just upper but both the houses by taking the unruly elements left right and centre. Ours will be a most disciplined parliament in the world and a poetic one in that. UPA will sail through all reforms for the next 2 years without any coalition compulsions and beyond after 2014 with a full majority. Now this is true 'Paribartan'.
Only on expected lines and back to square one! The winner is none but the Congress in the sense that they have made a Bengalee herself to veto the name of Pranab,another Bengalee whom the Congress supremo did not want in the Raisina Hill!We know for sure Kalam is not an acceptable name to the Congress and Manamohan's tamed service they can not afford to lose. As such there is every chance of the dark horse Somnath Chaterjee, mind you, the one who might have been in the mind of Sonia winning the race and another dark horse, the soft spoken Meira Kumar silently touching the board as the VP! What a real game?The checkers have even beaten Viswanathan Anand in their articulate way of pawning their pawns!
This seems like a staged drama. I believe consensus has already reached between congress and its allies.
Well we can expect new names announced daily and may very well end up with a dark horse as the president. And anyways, how many in India even know the name of the current president! Raisina Hill is now reduced to being a retirement home for obedient party workers.
Congress has given gifted us president Ms. Pratibha Patil last time with due considerations. So what is a harm in renominating her. I think people had a concerned when Ms Patil was nominated but Congress always thinks for better for country so let Ms Patil to be renominated.
Congress needs a savvy and supportive to the point of being plaible, President for 2014 when the best scenario for Congress is single largest party but well short of majority. Manmohan Singh will be reliable but not great at palace intrigues. Pranab is; hence he is the lead candidate. Neither Singh nor Mukherjee can be recommended based upon their last tenure performance. It will be equally hard for Congress to get another PM (Rahul not ready; Pranab is too ambitious) or FM (Montek is not liked by Sonia Gandhi; PC is under cloud and not widely liked). Never has the party been so short of high calibre leaders. It might settle down to Ansari or Mira Kumar....
A classic drama played out by the congress and its allies .... this scenario where in making our PM the president will help congress to gracefully avoid telling MMS to step down due to poor performance.
What's wrong with our beloved Dr. Kalam? No political party in India except corrupt Congress is opposing him.
It is a pity that people started doing politics even for the President's post. What Mamata and Mulayam are doing now is mere arm-twisting of the Congress. They know that none of their three choices would be acceptable to the Congress and even to the BJP (probably, the BJP may accept Kalam). So, by suggesting some dummy names like MMS, Kalam and Somnath, all they are doing is to bargain hefty financial bailout packages for UP and West Bengal. The Congress would probably afford to their demands in order to see a smooth ride for Pranab. Somnath is really a dummy candidate proposed by Mamata - just to save her face in front of the Bengalis. There might be a possibility that Mulayam may be elevated as the Vice-President, and this could be part of the negotiations that will happen from now on with the Congress.
Dr. Manmohan Singh is ideal nominee for President polls.After excelling well as PM , its the time to see the dignitary as President. Now India can only wait for the real game which will come out with the final list of the candidates !!
Mamata definitely has a say in the national politics. She has played spoilsport to Sonia's dream of having Pranab cornered from Politics by elevating him to be the President, as this would clear the decks for Rahul Gandhi to be the Prime Ministerial candidate for 2014. Actually, Mamata has helped Pranab (even though she might think that she is getting a sweet revenge by stopping him from being elevated to the top post). By not becoming President, Pranab can still be the most influential leader in the government (especially, if Manmohan becomes President, Pranab could even become Prime Minister).
Some of the candidates are really not deserving but when I consider the current President (Mrs Patil), all the candidates suddenly seem very deserving...
It's a Right time to take right decision by Mamata Banarjee for the sake of West Bengal people.
Abdul Kalam is right choice as a president. He posses all the qualities that should be in a president of India.
Sonia should have worked with Advani and Sushma in the first place and evolved a consensus on Pranab. She knew well that Mamata can never be relied upon and with a big mandate in U.P.,Mulayam will do a lot of arm twisting before coming to an understanding. Mamata and Mulayam would have fallen in line if Sonia had reached an early understanding with BJP on Pranab. It is not late even now. Sonia should speak to BJP and move ahead.
Mukherjee's elevation to PM post will help the country and by that MMS to be considered for President.
I hate this whole drama of selecting a President. It should be an election process and not a selection process. Why is everyone in the Political elite afraid of election in the electoral college? Why are they looking for consensus? Why not all those who want to be the President file their nominations and contest election? Why not all the candidates debate issues and constitution before the electoral college and the public? Why not have a provision that allows a member of electoral college to vote for the candidate s/he likes and not along the party line?
This whole idea to somehow fix the outcome before election is
nauseating to me. This is an attempt to rig the democratic process in
the name of consensus.
Somnath Chatterjee is the best option for this post.
It's a planned move by Pranab Mukherjee who nurses PM aspirations. Perhaps MMS had cooked up Pranab exit but Pranab has regionalistic Mamata to play on his side. Interestingly, nobody wants to be First Citizen which ultimately leads to exit from active politics.
It is a pity that the Presidential nomination (election?) has come down to the bazaar level, with open bargaining. Let us not diminish the august post (even if it is only gubernatorial). If they want one more name, here it is: Mr.Gopal Gandhi. Why not?
This is called true politics shown by Trinamool supremo.She does not want Mr.mukherjee as a president: main two reason behind this are firstly in WB trinamool is trying to break their alliance with their counterpart and secondly at the same time not supporting congress FM as he is not responding WB's demand for additional fund. Somnath Chatterjee's name comes in picture as he is bengalee (keep in mind the bangalees sentiment as if Mukherjee will not be nominated then trinamool can face bengalees outburst in her own state and can affect next panchayat vote).on the other hand Mr.Chaterjee also an ex CPM leader(the main rival of trinamool in WB) Mr.ex president comes in picture just because his image and both parties playing a card by taking his name and it is true that congress will never support him(last election we have seen the congress stand point) Mr.PM's name comes just to give a blow to congress and to prove that congress supremo is good for nothing as a PM considering.....
Haven't we had enough of Mr Manmohan Singh, that he should be made the president.
Pranab Mukherjee is good choice but Mamata should not support him because he did nothing for West Bengal in his long political career. That might be reason for his nomination by Congress ! May be the Bengalee sentiment to use against Mamata ! I am NRI and has no political bias to any party.
Majority of Indian people wants The former President Hon'ble A.P.J.Abdul Kalam be by consensus elected as New President of the Nation.Indian People Appeals Ms.Mamata Banerjee and Mulayam Singh Yadav to take initiative for this for the Welfare of The Nation.
First choice is our PM,Dr Manmohan Singh, second choice should be A.Raja,Ex telecom minister,third choice shoice should be Shibu Soren of JMM.This will lead us to path of progress
Manmohan is an ideal candidate. He has been rubber stamp for long enough. so this new rubber stamp role is nothing new for him. Moreover this seems to be pranab da's drama!!
We cann't even make a sane and wise choice for a impeccable choice for the first citizen of the nation. Politicians and parties would politicize the post also.
This is hilarious. Congress is just reaping what it sowed now that both SP and TMC are playing their cards.
Mamta is a classic example of someone who don't know what to do with power . Manmohansingh ? OMG , how on earth would someone make such a proposal.
look at the precarious condition of manmohan singh who has virtually been advised to quit by its own allies.it is a reprimand of the govt manmohan heads.it is a public snub to sonia as well.what a mess of govt and party these two ,manmohan and sonia have made.
The congress has no one but itself to blame. Even in the presidential poll it is trying dirty politics to be able to cling to power when the country is going to dogs. Let the whole of India echo with one Voice- 'APJ Kalam Sir'. Atleast let us strive for his vision for 2020.
That Sonia has used Mamata and Mulayam to elevate Manmohan to President is clever ploy so that even though she announced Pranab or Ansari as their choice it was scuttled by their allies and she did not have much of choice to oppose the 2M's. This also enables Sonia to name Rahul or anyone of her choice to become the PM and announces all kinds of populist measures between now and 2014 so as to capture power again. This is a brilliant coup by Sonia.
The immediate thing to do is for the Prime Minister to drive down to Rashtrapathi Bhavan and hand over his resignation.
The immediate thing PM should do is to drive to Rashtrapathi Bhavan and hand over his resignation.
It's pleasing to see Ms.Banerjee's choices that includes Dr.Kalam, who is the people's primary choice. Mr.Somnath Chatterjee is another promising candidate. Mr.Manmohan Singh's candidature may not very appealing to the people of India, after UPA's worsening performance and the charges of 'mismanagement' directed against him. Let's wait and watch how things finally turn out to be. After all, when did 'people' choice really matter..
I think.....Best candidate for Wise President,Either Honourable Former President Mr A.P.J Abdul Kalam, or Manmohan singh.
My vote for Somnath ji... :)
The best choice: APJ Abdul kalam. At least a good respite for India's dwindling international Image. Following is the maths for president election(Total votes needed: 549442, which is 50% of 1098882). Congress cannot do anything on its own. Infact, all UPA parties (449133) put together cannot do on their own. they need other parties support (For eg: SP(66688), BSP(45473), RJD(10350). so, its a good call for SP to propose APJ as first choice. But, Sonia Ji might not like APJ , as he goes by his head. So, If both sides stand tight,then, Manmohan Singh is obvious choice. Pranab is a PM material. The trouble shooter's tough talking with power and position hungry allainces, can awake sleeping policies drafts. Today's (I am in Bangkok on travel) newspaper 'International Herald Tribune' first page carried article on India policy paralysis & dwindling economic situation. India's repute is really at stake ! MAYDAY!(last option emergency call-for pilot). Someone hearing @New Delhi?
we dont need Mr.Manmohan ,because he has no individuality and we need the person who works for the public and who has credibilty.
Alas Mamata & Mulayam does something good.
why Manmohan singh ,he need rest and we need the president who has national wide support and Mr.Kalam and Mr.Somanath are good and they are not puppets to any one.We know what is Manohan for the last 8 years ,so please we need the person of integrity and self respect.
no one can match kalam, only he is the right choice.The politicians would do us a great favor if they elect the great Kalam to be our next president. But it requires a visionary PM like Vajpayee to elect a visionary scientist like APJ Abdul Kalam for the post of president. let us pray that kalam gets to inspire the India once again.Kalam represents meritocracy at its very best.Lets hope he survives in this mobocracy.
My Take - Sonia Gandhi wants MMS to leave the prime minister's post. Reason - If Congress wants to have a decent shot at winning next election they have to make major changes. The problem is Sonia herself cannot ask MMS to step down (well she asked him to become the PM so how can she concede her choice was wrong). Ask MSY and MB to prop up name of MMS (what do MSY and MB get in return - center's financial aid as both states are desperate to show progress). Sonia will concede that she does not have enough numbers to make Pranab the president, so MMS becomes president and Pranab becomes Prime Minister. It is a win-win for both Congress, SP, and TMC. It is an honorable exit for MMS and fresh change for Congress....
Congress and Mamata do not want Pranab to be the candidate but Congress cannot antagonise him by openly saying no to Mr. Pranab. Mamata, Mulayam do not want Hamid Ansari as a candidate. It seems that they have an understanding on Dr. Manmohan Singh as President as all of them, including Congress are not comfortable with a person of his integrity and honesty as PM. If he quits or is asked to resign, it would boomarang on Congress. It is easier to remove him by elevating to Presidency. But he may not be interested as he mentioned few days back that he is happy with what he is. Anyway Dr. Kalam is not acceptable to Congress and it would be his second term also which they do not want. Mr. Somnath Chatterjee is not acceptable to Left and NDA. If he is fielded by UPA, the Left, NDA and other parties like Jayalalitha, Naveen Patnaik may go for a common candidate which could be Sangma. This would be an interesting and close contest but Mr. Somnath Chatterjee may not agree to such contests.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee will be best suitable choices for presidential post of India. As the post president should given to any political person who is holding currenlty.
The president circus have started everybody are playing it safe and it seems in the end a Non congress nominee is going to win.It is going to be a close finish TMC and SP are calling the shots.NDA has not announced their candidate I think they will end supporting PA SANGMA.So congress is not in the drivers seat.There is lot of combinations and names thrown by political parties.Pranab is going to be big loser or it will be blessing in disguise so that he can eye for the PM post.
A good play by all to make way for unacceptable Rahul become PM. Any way Congress doesn't want Pranabh as president as he will never allow Sonia/Rahul as PM.
All of a sudden an anti-climax to Congress!!! Obviously,Congress deserve this.I wish to see either APJ Kalam(which would infuriate the congress beyond measure) or Somnath(Left deserve this for sacking a statesman) as an upcoming first citizen of India.Both are much worth candidates than any other.
Pranab should had been made as PM by Congress for his experience and a loyal Indira's man. At least the President may be a respectful for him. But his dark past, a powerful minister in Indira's emergency kitchen cabinet cannot be overlooked. In the coming days India may come to crisis due to coalitions, economy, unstable neighbours etc..We need a man who respects the Indian Constitutions not a man who subvert the Constitution.
Though the leaders speak that there is no connection between support and financial package, everyone knows that the President will be selected by means of bargaining. Dr. Abdul Kalam probably would have not kept himself in this race for the reason that this race is primarily based on give and take policy rather than seeing somebody as the most respectable person who can be nominated as the head of Republic India. I wonder what the Honorable President will think after he/she gets elected by means of political bargaining if its true?
UPA doesnt want Pranabh in cabinet, so better choice.
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