Trinamool Congress and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who called the shots on Wednesday in the presidential nomination issue, appeared isolated on Thursday.
After meeting Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav in the evening, she emerged alone to announce that their candidate was the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
But Mr. Yadav chose not to address the press.
The BJP, on its part, just said Mr. Kalam was “a respected leader and we take pride in him.”
SP sources, on the other hand, indicated that they had no objection to Mr. Mukherjee's candidature — the party just wanted to be treated better. On its wish list were an economic package for Uttar Pradesh, where it is in power, and an end to the pending cases against Mr. Yadav — and perhaps a shot at the Vice-President's job for someone from the party.
Indeed, through the day, Congress managers worked the backchannels to break the Banerjee-Yadav combine. Party sources expressed confidence that they would succeed in their mission.
Keywords: Presidential election, Mamata-Mulayam parleys, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, UPA government, UPA allies, Pranab Mukherjee candidature
We are disappoined. Our choice was incumbent H.E. Mrs. Prathiba Patil!
(1)The word 'adamant' does not hold good in politics.Mamata Banerjee is isolated for her adamant behaviour and vanity (2)More or less ,Congress nominated candidate will win in the Presidential election as several parties are coming to support the congress nominated candidate.
Mamata is misusing the mandate she got.
Did I read this correctly? "...and an end to the pending cases against Mr. Yadav... ".
At the end of the day it is Sonia's choice that counts. It is so evident that Sonia would like to have some backboneless candidate. And of course there is no such shortage in this nation. If she could propose Pratiba one should not be shocked if we land up with A Raja or Pranab as the next candidate.
Why is the pool of possible candidates so small and predictable in a diverse country of over a billion people? Fresh thinking beyond the usual suspects is needed.
This is probably the last chance of the Congress to win people's heart by naming Dr. Kalam as their candidate. If they don't even do this God save them in the next General Elections.
I think all parties must make a consensus for Kalam. He is an ideal candidate, and a nation, like India, needs his services. It would be a right step to make reality about his vision of developed country in 2020.
The more I see this lady, the more I'm convinced this is an idea whose time has come! People mock Mamta for being unsophisticated. But we forget she's a totally SELF-MADE person; no political god-fathers, no Gandhi-Nehru family name and a spot-less image with no Swiss accounts, no favoring family members to set up businesses, no squandering of public money to set-up memorials. She has been mocked and insulted for being populist. What’s the meaning of populist? Is it to care for the underprivileged and the common man, who is always cheated and whose voice is never heard? Or do we want the Mukesh/Anil Ambanis to systematically defraud the country of its resources and central ministers like Chiddu and Pranab who actively connives to facilitate the theft? We should stop leaving in denial! Do we want a corrupt ex-bureaucrat (Sarkari babu) ManMohan Singh who's only political capital is sycophancy and who has got the top job by being the proverbial "poodle" of Sonia Gandhi?
All the people of INDIA like APJ Abdul Kalam because he was talented and he was an greatman of INDIA ,He was an great scientist & he was the only person to become a president and I think that political party like eg pranab etc does not come to become a president.we know that all the politicians parties members are thief.I think that president is such type of the parliament that every person like, but if the political party stands then one politics will come on the presidentship and one day our generation will hate like the politics of minister.
I have great admiration for Kalam.However, a second term for a former president. In the future a 'popular' president, who has less democratic scruples, when faced with a weak prime minister and an unpopular political class (similar to the current scene) can cite this innovative route to prolong himself indefinitely. Under the Indian constitution, there is a delicate balance of power between the President and the PM. This balance will be upset and we will risk future constitutional problems if we elect a former president.So, political parties, especially those with All-India character( like the congress, BJP and the communists)should exhibit maturity and not fall into the mindless traps of regional outfits like SP,TMC or AIADMK.
With due respects to Kalam as he was the best President we have had , why not try Gopalakrishna Gandhi, Ratan Tata, Narayanmurthy of Infosyis, Or even retired Generals like Krishna Rao ( Who Governor of J & K ) Gen. Padmanaban............. After all the president is Cin C of the armed forces. It will only be appropriate if the general is made a president and that will give more prestige to our armed forces.
The SP agreed to support the beleagured government when the stakes were up for the nuclear pact with the US. In return they wanted the cases against Mulayam dropped. Now they have agreed to support Mukherjee in return for the same as the cases were reopened. Could anyone ever take the government of the country seriously, no matter who is in power? Especially when criminal politicians are able to force the hands of the government?
Somnath Chatterjee is the ONLY man who can use Presedential powers effectively & unbiased. Remember the term as Chief Election Commission. It was turning point in elections expenditure.
The unequivocal support of DMK to UPA nominated candidate will come with a heavy price. Incase the TMC is chucked out of UPA, it is more likely that DMK will stake claim for Rly.Ministry which will make it difficult for Congress to wrest one more important economic Ministry. It will be interesting to see whether Sonia Gandhi will continue to take a tough stand given the not so clean performance of DMK Ministers.
Never seen such slug-fest over president elections, Every political party is proposing their candidates on their own choice. Is it really a battlefield matter or just a Influential show-off . regretfully, it poses how political leader are drowning in boisterous rather than consensus and Moral obligations to the Nation.
UPA knows that will not come in power in 2014 general elections, so they want put someone of their choice.
Mr. A.P.J. Kalam is the best choice. PERIOD.
Kalam is the best among all candidature for next President of our country.
Then where is the difference between the purchase of cricket players or team and in the selection (fixing, purchasing/ declaring)'our first Citizen'? Where are the original Horses (Hon'ble...Mr. presidents of future) hiding in between these Representatives or absconding? hi hi hi.. puppi shame....what a rights of our First citizens!!!! well done...! what a fuss & bustle..!! 'great Democracy'....!! okok...!
Mr Kalam was an over-rated president. When he was the president, he did not utter a word about compulsory school education or universal health care which are the basic foundations for a powerful future; let alone his silent submission to the political parties which backed him for his presidency. He may be simple, honest, very good teacher etc; but what we need now is a man with strong diplomacy and political correctness. Merely asking students to 'dream' without providing them enough infrastructures for education wont just help.
Mr.Abdul Kalam is respected leader and his simplicity is unmatchable, But when coming to second term I just think that he himself should declare that he is not interested in this and the politics behind it. I feel if he announce that he is not interested then his respect will grow more than now. There are number of people who deserve this post, let them give one term. People like Abdul Kalam not need any official power to serve the people, Still he can Ignite an positive energy among the student communities which alone will make India better in the coming years. This is my humble request Mr.Kalam don't get involved in these petty politics, Kindly announce that I am not interested in this offer, Then the real face of Indian politicians will come to know.
Thanx to Mamata and Mulayam for opposing Sonia's appeal for president,here its clearly seen the politics of congress,all hands of congress she want,its such a stupid step to support Pranab Mukherji, Its request to all media please support only and only the great A P J Abdul Kalam for president,he is only person who can make changes in India and also support Narendra Modi if people really want to see a very fast growing country as India.....Both of them are simply the great and best personality in India right now...please support them !!!!!!!
What is there in the President post? Most of the times, it is ornamental. Why can't we continue with Madam Pratibha Patil? Being a venerable lady, she will continue to grace the chair with her 'Grandma' image, just as the Queen does in UK.
Nothing wrong in giving Dr.Kalam second term. he's was the best President. But I feel he won't accept the offer without consensus, like last time. For a man of his stature, he should be unanimously elected.
After the next general elections a situation is going to arise with no single party or coalition being in a position to form the government. Anticipating such a verly likely scenario, it is very essential that a person capable of handling such a situation politically and tactically is elected as the president now to ensure smooth running of the country.
It is time now that we the people of India should demand for a presidential system of the Government like that of the USA. The president should be elected durectly by the eligible voters of the country for a period of five years and for not more than two terms. Besides, the Minister in charge of the department [home, finance, foreign affairs etc] should not be the elected legislator but nominated by the president from the professionals and rigourously screened by the house committee on lines of the USA.This will prevent the minister to boss the department officials in a way he/she likes. Today in India the elected legislature becomes the minister of the department and remains loyal to his/her political party. Also, there should not be ministers in charge of departments more than 25 in any case. Similarly, RBI, CBI, EC,CVC, CAG should also be totally independent. Let there be nation-wide debate on this issue.Dr Amrit Patel
It is wrong to say that Didi Mamatha is isolated. She is surrounded now by strong men like Mulayam singh and L.k. Advani since she has proposed a good person Kalam for the august post of Rashtrapathi. Soon NDA and Jayalalitha will follow suit to propose Kalam. She has poured tar on the face of Sonia, Manmohan Singh and Pranab who are responsible for the state of the present Economic crisis in our country.
No body knows kalams views on this matter ? Has he been consulted ? No
one knows and he is not forthcoming too . There are better ways of
utilising kalams talent than making him the president . Moreover Kalam
is allowing politicians to use him and seems to be enjoying it
After having foisted on the nation a person like Pratibha Patel, Sonia Gandhi should step aside and let others bring a person of stature and dignity. But she seems to think only of having control over everyone and everything and not the national good.
A person like Dr Kalam would restore the dignity of the office of the president, severely damaged by its present occupant.
I do not understand why Kalam should be President again. Doesn't India have any more qualified people? I actually like Dr Kalam (we went to the same engineering college, as well)since he is very smart and good leader. don't we need to give the opportunity someone else who is capable of?
Mamata di, this time you are on right track. I feel........ no force
can.... derail you. we desperately need Dr. Kalam as the next
President. Please stick to your conscience. All the very best!!
P.A. Changma was also a right candidate.... but...he made a mistake...
Agatha should not be introduced in politics...you Mr. Changma
calculated personal gain...this is not right in a democracy.. 95% of
1.20 crore people didn't like your move!!! Don't play the religious
minority card!! you never mentioned for a single occasion when you
were selected as the speaker of the Lok Sabha.. But...this time...
you are trying play this card.. I have the 'A' Mr. Changma! support
Mr. Kalam....Although, I am not a blind supporter of Mr. Kalam. He
needs to come out from his 'status quo' mindset of possessing nuclear
arsenals. come on India... I feel only HE CAN REALISE the reality..
the other POTENTIAL CANDIDATES DESPERATELY LACKING THEM. MAMATA DI,
PLEASE LISTEN TO THE CRORES OF INDIANS. DR. KALAM!!
It is good that Mr Kalam's name is proposed. He is a non-controversial
figure, simple and honest. Such people are needed for the country to
progress in right direction. We hope and request Kalamji to accept the
request if maximum opposition parties approach him for the post.
Everybody knows that he is not for power and position, but for the
country his services are needed and hence he will oblige. Jai Hind.
Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam is the right person to be India's president.
But what the Congress wants is some one who will be a willing supplicant to its machinations and it knows that Dr.Abdul Kalam is not the right choice for acting as a rubber stamp. If India is to redeem itself from the economic mire and morass that has ensued on account of the series of abominable scams during the the UPA regime, it is not difficult for one to arrive at a conclusion that any candidate who is backed by the Congress is not the right choice and the outcome will be that all those culprits who have been responsible for the scam and who have been pronounced guilty and sentenced by the Courts will come out clean after Presidential pardon.
One another personality who is eligible for this August post according to me is Sam Pitroda. The Advisor to PM,Chairman of Indian Innovation Council. He has proved his capacities as an innovator and is widely recognized.The man who revolutionized the telecom system in India.Yet to come many contributions from him to make our Nation shine. Earlier his name was heard once or twice.But he is no where in the list now.
On knowing Dr Kalam, he would be unwilling to opt for a second term unless it is an unanimous selection. India is not that gifted to have the Presidentship of such a highly accomplished person. We do not deserve a free, frank, fearless & forthright person like Dr Kalam, for the post..!!
Distance between congress,SP and Trinamool is growing day by day. Now they are not even talking privately before announcing names. Each one is comming up with their own list. It will be one heck of thriller to see how congress,bjp and (SP,trinamool) plays out this situation. It would be interesting too see who will be winners and loosers in this thriller
Infact Mamata is reported to have talked to Dr. Kalam yesterday
(Wednesday) evening in the presence of Maulayam. Now, it is reported
that Maulayam has taken u-turn at the behest of Congress Party.
Hence, the intentions of Mamata cannot be questioned. Secondly, one
should see as to how Mamata has asserted her position as a coalition
partner of UPA compared to how meekly DMK and why, even NCP, has
submitted to the machinations of the largest constituent of UPA i.e.
Congress Party. Last but not the least one cannot accuse her of
amassing wealth for herself unlike most of the other constituents
which keeps her in higher pedestal vis-a-vis others. That is why she
is being seen as a mercurial politician.
Election to the first person of the country is becoming more or less like college elections. Terms like "contesting" is being used to show their extent of powers. Here we are talking about the most dignified person, Dr. Kalam who is still mum on the subject. May we request our dignified politicians to refrain themselves from dirt and make the whole country feel that the person, whosoever being selected, is done unanimously and not under political pressure and future gains.
With the Congress party sure to lose in the next general elections, anybody from the congress party for the post of the President, should be avoided; for, if elected, true to the congress culture, he is likely to play nastily if the situation so arises after the elections. Mr. Hamid Ansari too, with his questionable behaviour on the eve of passing of the lokpal bill in the Rajya sabha, is not above board in this respect.
sir, I also feel that mamata has done right in opposing the choice of Pranab mukherjee's candidature for our President and is in favour of Dr.Kalam, former president in BJP' regime. So far we have not seen same president twice chosen and elected? But Dr Kalam has been a very good and efficient President except that he gave assent to BJP/NDA Govt retrogade proposal to raise the retirement age of govt staff from 58 to 60 yrs. If Dr.Kalam comes as next President, I wish that the present retiremnt age of all govt officers shd be reduced to 55 years and there would be better chances to younger officers to show their talent.
Kalam sir is the person who is needed for this India.We want Kalam sir
back
Kalam's name is proposed strategically by Mamta. Sonia, will never support Kalam again as he is the one who stopped her from becoming the prime mister. Didi has set the fire and time will tell what will burn. This is just my view!
This is nonsense. Everytime in our country, same political parties stands and getting frustrated of having kalam and others to be our president.
There is hardly any doubt that Mr.Kalam is a good candidate. Why was
he, then, overlooked for a continuing second term? This question
bothers one when his name is being revived now. In all the open
discussion going on, one thing stands out and deserves headlines.
Sonia does not call the shots any more.
It is a sorry state of affairs that the dignity of the Presidency is
being dragged down to the bazaar level with the names of so many
'bidders' being bandied about.. Incredible India!
Sathya Pararth
The post of President is one which only a person who can command dignity, honour
and respect par excellence at the national and international level can be considered
fit to occupy. There can be no two opinion that Dr Kalam fits ideally into that role as
will be evident from his previous stint as President. The nation is passing through
very difficult times and it is high time that political parties, rising above party politics
for a moment, should unanimously elect Dr Kalam for that high office.
A.P.J. Kalam, is undoubtedly the most suitable and most deserving candidate for presidential post of India. He is a sage amongst us and he should be elected unanimously. If he is contested then we as Indians should be ashamed of it and please do not belittle him so! Either elect him without opposition or do not nominate!
Hello Mr. Viswakarman,
Are you a fool? You are the only person in the world, seems to be outside from political parties not supporting Dr. Abdul Kalam. Kalam is a dynamic, honest, simple and knowledgeable leader who is having good name in the society, particularly youngsters like him because of his vision for India, whereas all political parties are trying to blame others and at their level best, eat our hardly earned money, which we are paying as taxes.
I can make out few things out of this:
1. Coalition doesn't work. Decision making is hindered.
2. Do you think that the position of a President is really needed for India? Does that role justify the cost that it incur? We need a radical government that can take strong decisions pushing the country into prosperity.
3. Ms. Banerjee failed as a railway minister, she cannot handle public innuendoes, ousted Tata from Singur. The only change that she can bring to her state is change its name.
In my view among the names which came already abdul kalam,somnath
chaterji and pranab are the best.Since kalam alreadt had a term somnath
may be the consensus candidate.
The 12th president of India honourable PRATIBHA DEVI PATIL has remained
more or less passive in her term. Mr APJ ABDUL KALAM was the most
charismatic, laudable and lovable president. HE left an indelible
positive impression in the minds of the youth. I personally support his
candidature for the second term.
It was wonderful when we had a non-partisan President. APJ Abdul Kalam was and is a man of whom we are all proud. Not quite the feeling that the current incumbent evokes.
The Congress is accustomed to compromising the President. Do we have to live with such a situation? I'm glad Mamata has proposed non-partisan names (not MMS, of course) - everyone can see how much better it would be.
Why don't you also push for a non-partisan President?
I don't understand why these politicians are spending so much time/effort to elect a president where the impact of it is so less on our Nation. Our Economy is in a pathetic state and lot of other important things are waiting for these politicians' attention. Please wind up and move on to doing your actual work.
Dr. Kalam is no doubt the best candidate. As rightly said by Shri.
Aseeem Athavale, please do not politicize the name of that Great Indian
of the present generation. Further Dr. Kalam himself has said that he
would consider only if there is broad consensus; has it been ensured,
Sir? Otherwise, as he said once, he will let it come through one ear
and go out through the other ear. For the sake of National well-being
he will agree.
@priya and viswakarman. Dr. kalam refused to get nominated the second time cos congress and bjp were not in the intention to vote for him.. so he said., i dont like to contest if there was no wide consensus. but it is not needed that., he will not get again the wide consensus..
other politicians are again and again nominating even after getting defeated with a huge margin..
Hahaha,
Talking about fielding Kalam.he was a person who refused to be nominated the 2nd time as there was no consensus. Anyone asked him?This is the heights of doing anything for grabbing the limelight.mamta di when will u stop
Does Dr.Kalam know this?
I think he is the one who should decide if he needs to contest.
Kalam is Simple&Honest and wants "India Win" in all fronts.Hence the choise is Right. But Kalam Must be elected Unanimously.He is Such a dignified Man.
A. P. J Kalam is the best President of all times and the best for this position for a second term, but please a plead to all the political parties. Please do not politicize the name of such a Great Indian.
Don't make that noble man a puppet of your dirty and selfish games for power .
It is foolish to assume that Kalam is one among them running all around
for chairs. Kalam will not accept any proposition unless there is a wide consensus.
IN all thee decades never has the govt. in opwoer behaved in such a poor
fashion in selcting their n nominees for presidential election. No
wonder, the congress findings itself in soup. They re hoist with their
own petard!
Dr Kalam will be the ideal choice.No one can or will deny this...
Pity that India is poor. Second term for Dr.Kalam? There are many talented leaders who are most apt to this office.why the political parties hang on to the same leader,when other eligible leaders are there? mamata is right that No support to Pranab or Ansari.The BJP should choose either Somanath, Or Gopal Krishnan Gandhi than others.
Advani can be proposed in the place of all.
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