The name of industrialist Ratan Tata from the race of President’s post has fallen back though Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat still favours him for the coveted post. There is a state of confusion whether Tata would accept the responsibility looking at his failing health from last few years. Taking Tata’s withdrawal for granted, the BJP has started to chalk out a strategy for the President’s election.
The strategists of the BJP and the RSS have been brainstorming over the possible candidate either from amongst the Swayamsevaks or a potential woman candidate. Prime minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders are reportedly discussing various options as a part of ‘safe game’. BJP ‘Pitamah’ Lal Krishna Advani’s dream to become the President still exists but there is no consensus on his name among the NDA partners. Besides this, the Supreme Court has indicated that Advani may be charge sheeted in the Babri Masjid demolition case. The BJP and the RSS may not play a gamble on Advani’s name.
As per sources, the name of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is leading as the potential candidate for President’s election. The NDA meeting held in New Delhi on Monday discussed the names of Lalkrishna Advani, Sumitra Mahajan, Sushma Swaraj, Thawarchand Gehlot, Odisha Governor Draupadi Murmu as possible candidates for President’s election. It clearly indicates that the BJP will have to tow the line of RSS for either a Swayamsevak or a woman candidate for this supreme position in the Indian polity.
NCP president Sharad Pawar is also to use his power in the President’s election though he is considered to be out of this race. Whom the NDA nominates for President’s post will decide the further course of action from the political parties. The BJP is vigilant to chalk out a strategy if Tata finally withdraws from the race.
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