BJP Congress make tall claims over performance in prez polls in Raj.

Jaipur, July 19 (UNI) The ruling Bharatiya Janta Party which enjoys commandable majority in the presidential electoral college in Rajasthan, today claimed to have performed very well in presidential poll today mustering around 150 of the 200 votes in favour of NDA nominee Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

However, the opposition Congress has dismissed the ruling party's claims on reported cross voting from Congress in favour of Mr Shekhawat and said its votes were all intact in favour of UPA nominee, Ms Pratibha Patil.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has expressed satisfaction over cent percent polling and said her party and its allies had performed very well in Rajasthan for the NDA supported Independent Mr Shekhawat.

Ms Raje said she was fully satisfied with the way in which the ruling combine had achieved its task in polling today.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rajendra Singh Rathore said that in view of Mr Shekhawat's national stature and his close rapport with leaders of all parties, several members had cut across party lines to vote for him on the ''call of conscience.'' Mr Rathore said the BJP was expecting to muster around 140 to 144 votes till last night but now he was expecting the figure to touch 150.

However, Congress state President B D Kalla dismissed Mr Rathore's claims and said all Congress members were united and they all cast their votes for Ms Patil.

He said Congress presently was having effective strength of 54 in the 200 member state assembly but he was expecting 62 or more votes in favour of Ms Patil.

Besides, Congress' own strength Ms Patil got votes from BSP(2), CPI(M) and LJP(one each) and Independents(5), Mr Kalla asserted.

However, LJP member Ranbir Singh Guda kept the suspense alive.

Talking to reporters before casting his ballot Mr Guda said he had nothing to do with BJP or its leadership but he had high regard and respect for Mr Shekhawat.

UNI