SP Plans to propose Dr Abdul Kalam as Presidential candidate

LUCKNOW: The ruling Samajwadi Party has started considering the names to be proposed for the coming Presidential elections in the country to be held in next couple of month’s time. The party could propose the name of former President APJ Abdul Kalam for the post of President of India provided all political parties give unanimous approval to his name. In a high level meeting, held here recently, senior party leaders discussed possible names of luminaries whom Samajwadi Party could support for the post of President. “There was a unanimous view that former President Dr Kalam should be given another term,” a senior SP leader said here. The leaders, however, vouch that they have yet to get consent of Dr Kalam. “Only hindrance seems to be his age,” he said and added party would discuss this name with Congress leadership at an appropriate time. Dr Kalam who was President of India between 2002- 2007 had refused to contest for second term because Congress refused to support his candidature. Even than, Samajwadi Party and CPI (M) has fl oated Dr Kalam’s name. Then Bahujan Samaj Party had supported Congress candidate Pratibha Patil, who ultimately was elected the fi rst woman President of India. Election for the President’s post would be held in June. Congress needs the support of Samajwadi Party to get a free passage to its candidate. SP with 33 MPs and 224 legislators under its belt is really a force which Congress could not ignore in Presidential election . The SP knows it and therefore, wants that candidate of its choice should be elected as the President. “Samajwadi Party wants to support a Muslim face in Presidential election. Mulayam Singh Yadav wants that Congress should also accept Dr Kalam’s candidature,” the source said. So far Congress has kept its cards close to its chest and has not revealed names of its choice for the election.