Click to play videoNew Delhi: There’s a new twist in the battle for Presidency. Hours after being nominated as NDA's preferred choice for President's post, Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has given strong indications that he is a reluctant contestant because the Third Front is pitching for the current President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
In a statement made on Monday night Shekhawat said, “I will be extremely happy if a consensus can be built around President Kalam's name. He has been a great President for the country.â€
BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad added, “Two months back we went to Kalam. He refused to be a contestant unless he was a consensus man. Shekhawat will contest now irrespective of what happens.â€
At a dinner meeting late on Monday evening with his friend and former prime minister Atal Behary Vajpayee, Shekhawat made it clear that if Kalam agrees to fight, he would withdraw.
Kalam on his part too has given strong indications for a contest if a victory is possible.
"The BJP is insulting a man like Shekhawat by forcing him to be an independent candidate,†Congress spokesperson Jayanti Natrajan said.
But what happens if Kalam refuses the bait of UNPA? Will this group then abstain? So far there are no clear-cut answers. The final part of the Kaun Banega Rashtrapti (Who will be the next President) political drama will now be played out on the June 20 when the third front leaders come to meet President Kalam.
(With inputs from Nilanjana Bose)
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