Shekhawat's call for cross voting unfortunate: Natarajan

Jaipur, July 11 (UNI) Congress spokesperson for presidential elections Jayanti Natarajan today said despite BJPs 'vicious smear campaign' and call for defection by 'conscience voting' UPA presidential candidate Pratibha Patil will romp home with an overwhelming majority.

Mrs Natarajan was speaking to newsmen as Mrs Pratibha Patil was addressing the Congress Legislature Party at the Birla House here this evening.

She said UPA candidate Pratibha Patil's visit to meet the electorates be viewed as a gracious gesture rather than any about her victory.

The Presidential spokesperson claimed that the victory marigin of the UPA nominee will be more than expected irrespective of a 'calculated smear campaign' launched against her by the BJP. She brushed aside all allegations against MS Patil as ''completely baseless''. She said ''we welcome the support of parties other than the UPA and Left if they come forward with support.'' Answering a question, Mrs Natarajan denied making any allegations against NDA supported Independent candidate Bhairon Singh Shekawat.

She said it was the media which made some allegations that Shekhawat joined the police during the British time and the issue of nepotism and corruption against him during his chief ministership in Rajasthan. Mrs Natarajan said Shekhawat's call for 'conscience votes' and discreationary votes is an open call for crossing voting and defection which is very unfortunate as he is still the custodian of the Rajya Sabha.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minsiter and AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot, Union Minister Sishram Ola, Namonarayn Meena, RPCC president BD Kalla and Congress, BSP legislatures attended the meeting. But the lone CPM MLA Amraram was conspicuous by his absence.

UNI