NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday appealed to Left parties to reconsider their stand vis-à-vis A P J Abdul Kalam's candidature for the presidential poll even as he welcomed the Congress' decision to support the eminent scientist.
Speaking to newspersons on Thursday night, Naidu described Kalam as the most eligible candidate for the nation's top post and appealed to Left parties to ensure his unanimous election.
He pleaded that a contest be avoided at this juncture when the country is facing a tense situation on the Indo-Pak border.
He reiterated that the President's post should not become a subject of controversy since it was the highest constitutional post in the land.
"Kalam's choice has been welcomed by everybody cutting across political boundaries. He is a rare combination of a scientist, a social activist, a true patriot and a secular person," he said.
"Why not make him the President with consensus and send a strong message to the international community? After what happened in Gujarat, the elevation of a man like Kalam (to the presidency) will have a tremendous impact and earn goodwill for the country," he said.
Coverage of the election for the 11th President of India
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
