'BJP's allegation on UPA-Left candidate baseless'

Hyderabad, July 5: Communist Party of India (Marxist) Politburo member Sitaram Yechury today took strong exception to the Bharatiya Janata Party ''vitiating'' the political atmosphere by levelling ''baseless'' allegations against UPA-Left parties' Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil.

The Supreme Court's rejection of the petition filed against Ms Patil proved beyond doubt that all the charges levelled against her were ''fabricated'', he told a press conference here.

With the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Shiv Sena announcing support to Ms Patil, she was sure to emerge victorious in the election slated for July 19, the Marxist leader exuded confidence.

Mr Yechury opined that it was improper to compare Ms Patil with outgoing President A P J Abdul Kalam, who had completed a full term in office.

Referring to the candidature of Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, he wondered as to how the BJP was supporting a person who had joined the Police service in the British regime as sub-inspector in 1942 at the height of the Quit India Movement and quit it in 1948 after the nation got independence.

On whether the CPI(M) was staking claim for the Vice-President's post, he said an unanimous decision would be taken by the UPA-Left Parties combine after issuance of notification for the polls.

UNI