Presidential poll: Grand Opposition to be short of halfway mark, boasts BJP

In an indication that the BJP has already begun the exercise to turn the July Presidential poll into a show of strength, the saffron outfit has counted that even if the 17-party jamboree, cobbled up b

NEW DELHI: In an indication that the BJP has already begun the exercise to turn the July Presidential poll into a show of strength, the saffron outfit has counted that even if the 17-party jamboree, cobbled up by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, vote as a block, it would still be short of 1,17,520 votes from the halfway mark in the electoral college.

“The grand Opposition, which is being attempted by the Congress chief, is short by as much as 1,17,520 votes from the 50 per cent mark in the electoral college of the Presidential election. By feting the DMK, the Congress has helped the cause of the BJP to gain the support of both factions of the AIADMK. The NDA will be way ahead of the Opposition,” said a top BJP leader, who added that the Opposition, by initiating parleys to put up a joint candidate, has shut the doors on the possibility of a consensus.

The electoral college of the Presidential election has a strength of 10,95,619 votes, with the NDA’s share being 5,27,371 and UPA commanding just 1,73,849 votes. The Congress chief had hosted a lunch on Friday for leaders of 16 other Opposition parties, including constituents of the UPA.

“The YSR (Congress) and TRS will support the NDA in the election. The BJP’s campaign in Telangana this month to broaden the party-base in the State will not affect the TRS supporting the NDA nominee. The BJP is counting on both factions of the AIADMK. Efforts are underway to wean away more political parties to NDA’s side for the July poll,” said the senior leader.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com