Congress may nominate Mukherjee as the would be President, Left supports the Cong

May 17: The left parties in their meeting on Wednesday said that they would support the Congress candidate in the presidential election. At the same time certain left wing parties have openly supported Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjeeâ??s candidature. But Congress is yet to decide its candidate for the post. Earlier there were rumours that Congress may field Karan Singh as their candidate.

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Now Mukherjee with support from left parties seem to be the frontrunner in the race. Congress will decide the candidate after consulting with its UPA allies. Confusion is slowly mounting as different sources have indicated names of atleast three candidates: Karan Singh, Sushil Kumar Shinde and now Pranab Mukherjee.

On the other hand BJP is trying to create a different lobby with its nominee and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. BJP chief Raj Nath Singh reportedly have met former Prime Minister VP Singh and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh in this regard.

As far as criteria for the post is concerned the Congress and all UPA allies along with Left are clear that the candidate should have secular credentials and a person who should have better sense of balance between the judiciary, legislature and the executive.

Though Congress earlier did indicate its nominee as Karan Singh but the Left may not support him as he comes from a royal background. Earlier the Left were eyeing on the Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, but after yesterdayâ??s meeting and consultation with the UPA allies like RJD, DMK, NCP it has forwarded its decision to the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi requesting Congress to decide first, about its candidate.

Meanwhile, BJP is busy in finding its nominee after discussions with all the parties of NDA. Earlier, BJP planned to field former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee but Mr. Vajpayee has also confirmed his disinterest. So, now it is clear from BJPâ??s side that Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will be the candidate from the opposition side. BJP is also trying to contact the newly elected Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for her support. However, Pranab Mukherjee seems to be the frontrunner in this presidential election if Congress confirms his candidature.