'Contact Atal if you want NDA's support':JD(U) advises Pratibha

New Delhi, Jun 16 (UNI) In an apparent attempt to drive a wedge in the NDA camp, UPA's Presidential nominee Pratibha Patil today rang up Janata Dal (United) President Sharad Yadav seeking his party's support in the July 19 election.

Mr Yadav, on his part, told Mrs Patil in clear terms that his party was very much part of the NDA and would support its decision on the candidate for the next President. Mr Yadav said she should contact NDA Chairman Atal Bihari Vajpayee as he has been authorised by the NDA. After this telephonic conversation, Mr Yadav went to the residence of Leader of Opposition L K Advani to apprise him of the situation, NDA sources told UNI.

In a related development, Mr Digvijay Singh, the Rajya Sabha MP belonging to JD (U), met Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray seeking his party's support for Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who is contesting as an Independent nominee with NDA support. The Sena will be sending former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi for the June 18 NDA meeting which will decide on the Presidential nominee, sources said.

With this the NDA is seen as attempting to keep its flock together as media reports suggest that these parties may not support the NDA nominee.

UNI