Shekhawat calls for consensus on Kalam

New Delhi, June 18 (UNI) Within hours of the 'Third Front' proposing the name of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam for a second term in Presidency, Vice-President and NDA-backed independent candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today threw a stunner by calling for evolving a consensus on the 'missile man's' candidature.

''I find it gratifying that the Third Front has today announced its intention to request President Dr Kalam to consent to be the President of our country for yet another term,'' Mr Shekhawat said in a statement.

He said nothing would bring him ''greater satisfaction'' if Dr Kalam gave his consent to the proposal, adding that he would be happy if ''total unanimity of all political parties'' was achieved.

In his brief statement Mr Shekhawat said he and Dr Kalam had worked ''unitedly'' for the last five years and no difference of viewpoint had ''clouded our functioning or relationship''.

Pointing out that the high offices of the Republic ''are not for political contention or controversy'', the Vice-President said the responsibility must be discharged with seriousness and dignity.

''I have not been found wanting in this regard for the last 55 years and will not be now found wanting,'' Mr Shekhawat added.

Earlier in Chennai, the eight-party Third Front, christened United National Progressive Alliance, proposed Dr Kalam's name as its nominee and asked political parties to evolve a consensus in his favour.

The UPA has already announced Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil as its candidate for the July 19 Presidential poll, a move that has been supported by the Left parties and the BSP.

The NDA has lent its weight behind Mr Shekhawat whose name for the coveted post as an independent and non-party candidate was announced today.

UNI