The Hindu : Front Page : NDA backs Shekhawat, Third Front for Kalam

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Tuesday, Jun 19, 2007
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NDA backs Shekhawat, Third Front for Kalam

Neena Vyas

Shekhawat was the NDA’s second choice
“Even the NDA would not like a sitting President to contest”

Spell out stand: The former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, NDA convener George Fernandes and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj announcing the NDA’s decision to support Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as an independent candidate in the Pres idential election in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: There were no surprises when the National Democratic Alliance announced here on Monday that it would “wholeheartedly support” Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as “an independent candidate for the high office of the President of India.”

Chairman of the NDA Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced the “unanimous decision” after a meeting here attended by leaders of all allies. The caveat came a little later when the spokesperson appointed by the NDA for the Presidential election, Sushma Swaraj, told reporters that the Shiv Sena would make, on Tuesday, an announcement on who it would support. That was a decision taken earlier by Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray, she added.

On the announcement by the Third Front that it supported President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for a second term , Ms. Swaraj said that Mr. Kalam was also the NDA’s “first choice.” While explaining the efforts made to get an all-party consensus on Mr. Kalam, she said that “Mr. Shekhawat was the NDA’s second choice.” What the NDA leaders are saying privately is that they hope the Third Front will come out in favour of Mr. Shekhawat once it becomes clear that Mr. Kalam is not willing to contest for a second term.

Although a crisp one-page statement supporting Mr. Shekhawat was adopted as a resolution by the NDA meeting – it eulogised Mr. Shekhawat as a “public figure of eminence, high repute, unmatched credentials … and with impeccable secular credentials,” adding that his “victory is definite” – several allies present were in favour of deferring an announcement supporting Mr. Shekhawat.

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