Alexander doesn’t give up, eyes RS

If Alexander’s choice of vocation at this age — he is 81 and has had a long, distinguished bureaucratic stint — comes as a surprise to many, his political coup will be a record of sorts.

The seat technically belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party but Alexander is likely to file his nomination as an Independent, with support from the NCP as well as the Shiv Sena-BJP combine. NCP president Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray share a high level of mutual antipathy and have steadfastly refused to share power or work together.

Sources said Pawar had no objection to Alexander fighting, even as an Independent. Thackeray has been convinced it was his idea to begin with and that he should not bring his differences with Pawar to bear upon Alexander’s candidature.

It’s well known that Thackeray has respect and affection for Alexander, something that BJP leader Pramod Mahajan tried to exploit while convincing Thackeray. Mahajan has been coordinating with both Pawar and Thackeray over the last few days.

Though the Rayja Sabha route seems a cul de sac for someone of Alexander’s stature, sources said his experience and expertise will be used by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in an advisory capacity. His being an Independent will allow the NDA to give him some office and the NCP will not take umbrage at this either.

Alexander was reportedly very upset when the Congress not only rejected his candidature for President but actively worked to see that he would not be in the race.

Alexander was principal secretary to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv Gandhi and has been considered a Congressman right through. Keeping in mind the Rajya Sabha election, he had, in his resignation letter, asked to be relieved on July 13, sources said.