NDA begins deliberations on Presidential nominee

New Delhi, June 21 (UNI) NDA leaders met here this evening to discuss the possibility of fielding President APJ Abdul Kalam for a second term.

The meeting, which began at around 1730 hours, however was not attended by representatives of Shiv Sena and Akali Dal. There was none to explain the reasons of their absence from the meeting.

Sources said the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) leaders lobbying for Dr Kalam's candidature would be joining the meeting, being held at former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence. Leaders of both the groupings are expected to call on Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat thereafter.

The official briefing about the final outcome of the NDA meeting is scheduled at 1930 hours.

The NDA had earlier announced its support for Mr Shekhawat who was contesting the presidential election as an Independent. The NDA was forced to give a second thought to Mr Shekhawat's candidature after the Third Front at its Chennai meeting announced its unanimous support to Dr Kalam's candidature for the second term and Mr Shekhawat himself declared that he would be happy to withdraw if President Kalam decided to enter the fray for the July 19 election.

Sources said some of the NDA constituents were not very keen to back the nomination of Dr Kalam who, while willing to get into the contest, made it clear that he would do so only if he was certain about his victory.

The Shiv Sena had so far not announced its support for either Mr Shekhawat or Dr Kalam.

UNI