The Kalam missile

It is almost certain that noted scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will be the next president of India. He may even be elected unopposed. But this...

It is almost certain that noted scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will be the next president of India. He may even be elected unopposed. But this does not in the least mean that political consensus has been evolved over his candidature. Quite to the contrary in fact.

The NDA has made a complete mockery of the consensus process in zeroing in on their candidate, even while the Opposition parties cannot escape the charge of indulging in the most petty manoeuvres. There was lack of transparency, sincerity and trust from the start. The Congress did not serve the cause of consensus when it announced to the world after Sonia Gandhi had a meeting with K.R. Narayanan, that he had an 8216;8216;open mind8217;8217; about serving a second term. Then the prime minister threw discretion to the wind when, after his meeting with the president, his office let out that he had informed Narayanan that the consensus in the NDA was against him continuing for a second term.

The NDA then floated the name of Maharashtra Governor P.C. Alexander, despite stout opposition from the Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who had rooted for Vice-President Krishna Kant. To scuttle Alexander8217;s chances, the Congress spread the word that Narayanan, who had the backing of the entire Opposition, was even willing to contest for the post.

A thoroughly upset BJP then had no option but to drop Alexander and accept Naidu8217;s alternative suggestion of fielding Kalam, India8217;s missile man. When Vajpayee met the Leader of the Opposition and mentioned Kalam8217;s name, he was presenting the Opposition with a fait accompli.

In all this petty politicking, nobody bothered about the embarrassment caused to three eminent persons holding key constitutional posts in the country 8212; the president, the vice-president and a governor. Ideally, the leaders of the ruling combine and the Opposition should have discussed the various proposals amongst themselves and chosen a person regarded by all as the most suited to hold the highest office in the land. After all, this is a post that requires a thorough understanding of the Constitution, a knowledge of the political system and the conduct of international affairs. Alas, this opportunity has been missed, and the country is the poorer for it.