Attempt to cement alliance with the election of deputy chairman of RS

New Delhi, Aug 7: Both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as well as the united Opposition have decided to go far a different candidate from their original choice. The NDA wanted to field Shiromani Akali Dal leader Naresh Gujaral while united opposition was for Shubhendu Shekhar Roy of the Trinamool Congress. This decision has more to do with the future strategy of both the groups.

The NDA has agreed to the name of Harivansa Narayan Singh while the united Opposition decided for Vandana Chavan - a two time Rajya Sabha member from Nationalist Congress Party. Actually relation between the JD (U) and the NDA has not been very smooth and it was expected after the JD (U) joined the NDA that the party would get some ministerial berth but that did not happen. Bihar chief minister was under severe attack from the opposition.

Speculation has been rife that the JD (U) might once again go to the Mahagathbandhan and similarly Nationalist Congress Party joining the NDA bandwagon with Shiv Sena constantly tasting the patience of the BJP. So the political analysts were looking at this move as an effort of cementing these allies to their respective group.

The announced candidates have their advantages and disadvantages. Harivansh Narayan Singh is considered to be a very soft and honest man with friends everywhere so his appeal may go all across similarly Vandana Chavan being a women has her own advantages. The Congress does not want the NCP to go away as lot will depend on the unity of these political parties. In the 245-member of the house 122 votes will be required for the victory with one seat vacent and if the 13 votes of Biju Janata Dal go to the NDA candidate only then victory of its candidate will be ensured else the opposition has a better chance to win it.