The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Friday, June 7, 2002, Chandigarh, India

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TDP authorises PM on Presidential candidate
T. R. Ramachandran
Tribune News Service

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee meets with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in New Delhi on Thursday. — PTI photo

New Delhi, June 6
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s special mission to the Capital today was to discuss the candidature of the country’s next President and feel the pulse of the top BJP leadership, sensing how they are disposed towards the elevation of Vice-President Krishan Kant as the First Citizen.

TDP supremo Naidu first called on Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in this regard where Union Home Minister L.K. Advani and Union Parliamentary Affairs and Communications Minister Pramod Mahajan were also present.

Later, Mr Vajpayee and Mr Naidu converged at Mr Advani’s residence and carried the discussions forward over lunch. This assumes importance as the BJP’s top leadership and Mr Naidu went over the names of prospective Presidential candidates to succeed Mr K. R. Narayanan who is yet to disclose his mind about seeking a second term.

The BJP-led NDA direly requires the support of the TDP in getting its Presidential nominee through in case of a contest. Mr Vajpayee is expected to hold the second round of discussions with the Congress President and leader of the Opposition, Ms Sonia Gandhi, before reverting to Mr Naidu. The Prime Minister is still hoping for a consensus, especially at this juncture when the country is passing through a difficult phase.

‘It appears Mr Naidu’s and the TDP’s first choice for the high office of President is Mr Krishan Kant. The wily Mr Naidu, who is supporting the BJP-led NDA government from outside, heard the assessment of Mr Vajpayee before putting forth his suggestions.

As expected, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister refused to disclose the names discussed at the meeting with the Prime Minister. At the same time, he said Mr Vajpayee had been authorised to take a final decision in this regard.

Some quiet lobbying has been going on that in keeping with precedents that Mr Krishan Kant should be the automatic choice for the office of President. Considering the Vice-President’s proximity to Mr Naidu, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has been actively involved in some behind-the-scenes activity in pushing Mr Krishan Kant’s candidature for the office of President.

It is learnt that Mr Naidu impressed upon the BJP leadership that if Mr Krishan Kant is not the first choice for the office of President, then he should not be disturbed as Vice-President for another term.

Authoritative sources said the BJP and its partners in the NDA are yet to decide whether Mr Krishan Kant should be elevated or not. At the same time, several parties, including the Left and the Samajwadi Party, are not averse to the Vice-President being considered for the post.

The NDA has made it clear that it is not in favour of a second term for Mr Narayanan and this has been conveyed by Mr Vajpayee to the President. The Congress and the Left parties are still desirous that Mr Narayanan — the country’s first Dalit President — should be granted a second term.

Even though there is intense speculation about who is going to be the country’s next President, a dark horse emerging is not being ruled out with the choice being left solely to the Prime Minister. The names presently doing the rounds are that of Maharashtra Governor P.C. Alexander, Mr Krishan Kant and BJP’s old war horse and three times Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

The term of Mr Narayanan expires on July 24. The Election Commission is expected to notify the time table for the Presidential election next week.