NDA to support Shekhawat for presidentship

New Delhi, June 18: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) today decided to support Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekawat as 'non-party and Independent candidate' for the presidentship.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of NDA leaders at the residence of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee this morning.

Announcing the decision, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, in the presence of Mr Vajpayee and NDA Convenor George Fernandes, said the formal decision to support Mr Shekhawat at the meeting was unanimous as he was the 'most qualified and suitable candidate' for the top office. She said Mr Shekhawat had combined a lifetime experience of dedicated public service with rare qualities of head and heart. A public figure of eminence, high repute, unmatched credentials, he has discharged his latest responsibilities as country's Vice President and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, entirely beyond party affiliations with impeccable secular credentials.

Convinced of this, the NDA is of unanimous view that the Vice-President as a non-party and an independent candidate would be the most appropriate choice, Ms Swaraj stated.

''In light of all this, the NDA wholeheartedly supports Mr Shekhawat as an independent candidate for the top office of President of India,'' she added.

Answering the queries of mediapersons NDA Convenor George Fernandes expressed hope that the NDA would be able to overcome the number factors which seemed to be in favour of UPA nominee and Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil. "We know where we are and where they are placed", he said. Asked how the arithmatics can change, the NDA leader remarked 'arithmatics is always moving and not static".

About UPA choosing Ms Patil as the first Woman President, he said they nominated her as the nominee as they could not get anyone else. "She was not the first choice but the least and lowest among the contestants", she said.

Asked if the NDA would be appealing to the 'conscience of the electorate' like Ms Indira Gandhi had done in 1969, Mr Fernandes, a Congress baiter, said there is no need to play any such tactics.

"We have had enought of it".

UNI

RelatedStories

>