BJP seeks support of AIADMK, MDMK, DMK for Shekhawat

Chennai, July 18 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today sought the support of th AIADMK, the MDMK and the DMDK for NDA backed independent candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, in the Presidential election to be held tomorrow.

Addressing a press conference here, BJP national executive committee member C P Radhakrishnan said, ''We request the AIADMK, the MDMK and the DMDK to support Mr Shekhawat as only he can safeguard the respect and prestige of the highest Constitutional post in the country.'' Tamil Nadu BJP unit former President Radhakrishnan, answering a query said, NDA convenor George Fernandes had already met DMDK founder president Vijayakanth and sought his support.

Referring to the Left Parties claim that Mr Shekhawat was 'communal', he said this was only because of the support extended by the BJP-led NDA.

He alleged that the Muslim League's support for UPA-Left candidate Pratibha Patil was also communal by comparison.

''The Left parties have traded their ideologies by supporting the Congress,'' he added.

However, he expressed confidence that Mr Shekhawat would emerge victorious, if everyone voted according to conscience, he said.

UNI