Second term proposal for Kalam a conpiracy to defame him: Lalu

Patna, Jun 19 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today alleged the third front had conspired to defame the missile man by proposing his name for a second term of Presidency.

He further alleged that worried about his possible defeat, NDA-backed independent candidate and Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was supporting the front's move.

Mr Prasad during his official visit to Bihar told news persons here that under a well-hatched conspiracy, the newly-formed third front had projected the name of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for the presidential election with an ulterior motive to ''defame'' him.

He said the proposal of the thrid front served as a good opportunity for Mr Shekhawat, who was trying to save his face by joining the move of the front.

Mr Prasad said the Vice-President was scared of his possible defeat in the presidential elections and realising his weak position Mr Shekhawat was toiling for total unanimity of all political parties for Dr Kalam.

He said the third front and Mr Shekhawat were playing games at the cost of Dr Kalam and were ''humiliating'' him.

He said the UPA, along with the Left parties had fielded Rajasthan Governor Prathibha Patil as a joint candidate in the presidential election and the appeal of the third front and that of Mr Shekhawat to support Dr Kalam for the second term was ''irrelevant''.

He said former prime minister and senior BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee had already turned down the proposal for a second term for Dr Kalam.

He said Ms Patil enjoyed the support of the UPA as her candidature was decided unanimously and claimed that she would win by a margin of 1.5 lakh value votes.

Meanwhile, political lines have been drawn for the presidential elections following announcements of the name of Patribha Patil from UPA fold and the announcements of the NDA to back Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat likely to contest as an independent candidate.

The proposal for second term for Dr Kalam by the newly-formed third front gave a "political twist" to the election, Mr Prasad said.

UNI