No question of supporting Kalam, says Sharad Pawar

New Delhi, June 21 (UNI) After the Left and the Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) too said today a firm no to the idea of installing President APJ Abul Kalam for the second time in Rashtrapati Bhawan.

''It is now surprising to learn from the Third Front that Dr Kalam is willing for a second term, because we have already been told by major parties including the NDA, that they will not support him for a second innings. Moreover, he doesn't have enough votes to win,'' NCP chief Sharad Pawar told reporters after proposing the name of Ms Pratibha Patil.

''Dr Kalam is not on the crease at all, so there was no question of playing another innings,'' he added.

He said the UPA chairperson had evolved a consensus for Ms Patil after holding wide consultations with all Alliance constituents.

''She is a secular and experienced administrator and politician and has sure chances of winning by over two lakh votes,'' said Mr Pawar.

When asked about the UNPA leaders' scheduled meeting with him this evening, he said he would welcome them at his home today, but would tell them plainly that there was no question of any second thought on the candidature of Ms Patil.

UNI