With the Election Commission of India issuing the statutory notification for the country’s 15th presidential elections, it seems just next to impossible that a broad consensus would emerge between the NDA dispensation and the Opposition front. One wonders why the ruling elite swung into action so late in this regard as June 28 is the last date of filing nominations. As far as the majority mark in the Electoral College — comprising all elected MPs and MLAs — is concerned, the BJP seems to be way ahead. However, as we complete 70 years of independence, our legislators need to make sure that the winner gets elected unanimously. It was a good four decades ago, in 1977, that Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy got elected unopposed, the only person to have done so thus far. The ruling elite should declare as its candidate someone with an impeccable record in public life, a high degree of integrity and respect across party lines. The previous NDA government set a benchmark in this regard by choosing A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Hemant Kumar,
Ambala City