Click to play videoNew Delhi: The battle for the President's chair has entered its final lap even though there has not been any official word yet as to who will be the contestants.
The BJP has, however, made it clear that Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the man who everyone thought will be NDA's choice, cannot actually be a party candidate.
In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN's Editor in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai, Sushma Swaraj has categorically stated that Shekhawat can only be an independent candidate under the prevailing circumstances.
Excerpts from the interview:-
Rajdeep Sardesai: Why is NDA hesitating in announcing Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as its presidential candidate?
Sushma Swaraj: Because Bhairon Singhji will not be fielded by the NDA. Bhairon Singhji, if at all he decides to contest, will be fielded as an Independent candidate and NDA will only pledge its support.
Rajdeep Sardesai: Why not? Why can't you openly say that Bhairon Singh Shekhawat is your candidate? He is a senior BJP leader, after all. He has been a chief minister several times. Why can't you say that Bhairon Singh Shekhawat is our candidate? Why the hesitation?
Sushma Swaraj: NDA has already authorised Atal Behari Vajpayeeji to explore with the other parties. It's a number game. And you know that there is quite a large gap between NDA and UPA numbers. Therefore, we want to explore with other parties from whom we are getting support. And Atalji has not reported back to the NDA yet.
Rajdeep Sardesai: So, Mr Shekhawat will only contest as an Independent candidate, supported by NDA? He cannot be an official candidate of NDA?
Sushma Swaraj: If at all he decides to contest, he cannot be an official candidate of NDA and he will not like to be. But NDA will pledge support to Shekhawat if at all we decide that Shekhawatji will be there. But it has not been decided as yet.
Rajdeep Sardesai: Are you looking at other options? Do you want a consensus? What is the general mood within the NDA? Are you ready for a contest?
Sushma Swaraj: That is precisely what we have authorised Atal Behari Vajpayeeji to decide. Until and unless he reports back to NDA leaders what he has explored, we cannot decide what is going to happen.
Rajdeep Sardesai:You want to wait for the UPA to announce its presidential candidate before you make your move?
Sushma Swaraj: I don't think that is the issue. We are only waiting for Atalji to report to NDA.
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