BJP too backs Narayanan8217;s candidature

The BJP leadership informally made up its mind on Narayanan several weeks ago, spurred on by the bid by Members of Parliament belonging to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe to hijack the presidential election with a resolution laying down terms and conditions for the next occupant of the country8217;s top post.

Party sources said they do not want to see this high office fall victim to caste and political considerations. 8220;Merit should be the main consideration in choosing the next President and there should be a consensus on the person,8221; a senior BJP leader emphasised.

At the same time, there are several practical political reasons behind BJP8217;s inclination to opt for Narayanan.

The party realises that it cannot be seen opposing the move to appoint a Dalit as the next President. It is also aware that it cannot make other parties back a candidate of its choice, given the anti-BJP lineup in the political spectrum.

Without a commanding majority in the electoral college, BJP leaders acknowledge that it is wiser for the party to back a non-controversial, non-partisan candidate who has the widest acceptability.

Both Vajpayee and BJP president L K Advani have dropped clear hints over the past few weeks that they would be ready to support Narayanan as a consensus candidate. Vajpayee even commented favourably on Narayanan8217;s experience and qualifications.