Telugu Desam Party seems to have been caught in a time warp. The party wants to support Abdul Kalam if he chooses to be in the presidential race. It is unlikely that the former President Abdul Kalam will come forward to contest.
Congress Party has not yet made up its mind on its candidate for Presidential election, which is due in July. The party will need the help of several other parties to get its candidate through, as it lacks the required number of votes.
Hamid Ansari, Rajya Sabha chairman, Meira Kumar, Lok Sabha Speaker, Sam Pitroda, adviser to the Prime Minister, besides Pranab Mukerjee and Shivraj Patil are some of the names doing the rounds presently.
But what has prompted TDP to bring in Abdul Kalam’s name at this stage is not known. Chandrababu claims that he was responsible for electing a minority to the position of President. He probably wants to convey the same message this time round too.
But it is most unlikely that TDP choice will be taken seriously by other parties, except by fluke.
Meanwhile, Devender Goud is set to be made the floor leader for TDP in Rajya Sabha. He will take up Mysoora Reddy’s position, as the former’s term has come to an end. TDP presently has five members in Rajya Sabha. Chandrababu’ s choice shows that he still retains confidence in the old guard, whatever he might say for public consumption.
