Badal woos 'friend' Chautala for president poll

Chandigarh, July 18 (UNI) Acknowledging that he had contacted Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief O P Chautala to seek his support for the NDA-backed independent presidential nominee Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Punjab Chief Minister said they had sought support from ''various ''quarters.'' ''There is no harm in seeking support from other parties, though the final decision rests with the member of the electoral college'', he said at a media conference here today.

As the Chautala family is very close to the Badals, the Punjab Chief Minister had been given the task to woo the INLD legislators of Haryana. Mr Chautala has joined the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), which has decided to abstain from presidential poll.

Mr Badal maintained that Mr Shekhawat was the best person for the President's post in the prevailing scenario in the country. He said that he had directed all party legislators to reach the Vidhan Sabha tomorrow.

UNI