Third Front stirs up Prez poll

IS THIS 'KALAM-ITY'? Political parties, including Left, are not really charmed by Kalam's tenure.

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New Delhi: The people's President doesn't want to become the politicians' President. President Kalam is likely to say no to the Third Front's offer for another term.

Obviously, Kalam is not excited by requests that had come at the last moment and that too from the weakest of the political alliances. And not just the Left, there were other parties not really charmed by Kalam's tenure.

Meanwhile, AIADMK supremo and one of the key leader of the newly-formed United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) Jayalalithaa has cancelled her visit to Delhi.

She cancelled her trip to Delhi at the last minute on reports that Kalam may not be in favour of contesting election in the face of lack of a political consensus on him.

Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray says, “There is no question of supporting Kalam. Post of the president has no meaning for the people. Why didn't Kalam decide on Afzal Guru six months back?”

That outburst against the Presidents brought out the Sena's political compulsions.

The party had reservations about Kalam's indecision on Afzal Guru's mercy petition.

Their problem has been compounded by the UPA nominee Pratibha Patil being a Maharashtrian. Of course, unlike Shiv Sena, other NDA allies joined the bring back Kalam chorus.

BJP President Rajnath Singh says, “I honour vice president's statement on his withdrawal of his candidature if there is a consensus on Kalam.”

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee says, “I fully appreciate that Shekhawat himself said if Kalam's nomination is being made then he will withdraw because he thinks that Kalam is the best choice.”

President Kalam is meeting the United National Progressive Alliance leaders later on Wednesday afternoon and will tell them that he wouldn't want a second term.

For the BJP-led NDA, the flip-flop may prove to be costly.

For the NDA dilemma has eroded the political credibility and strength of their original nominee, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

It will be interesting to see whom the UNPA turns to after President Kalam's refusal.

(With inputs from Divyamanu Chaudhry)