The NDA on Thursday got another jolt in the Presidential race with JD(U) becoming the second ally after Shiv Sena to break ranks with BJP to support UPA candidate Pranab Mukherjee.
The announcement was made by party president Sharad Yadav after the BJP declared support to P A Sangma who had resigned from membership of UPA ally NCP.
“Our party is against any contest now. Till A P J Abdul Kalam was the candidate, we were ready for a contest,” he told reporters. Mr. Kalam had decided not to contest the poll.
Mr. Yadav, however, took pains to emphasis that they are part of NDA but under the present circumstances, they are backing a candidate on whom a “consensus” has been arrived at.
“We are not supporting a Congress candidate. Under the present circumstances, we are supporting a UPA candidate for whom there is a consensus,” he said.
