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Journalism of Courage
Good that both BJP and Congress have decided on a contest for president. Let the debates begin
The July presidential election is throwing up daily possibilities of political realignment. In a situation where the numbers do not add up for the ruling UPA,even if it were to count on its allies,which it cant,and given that the main opposition front falls way short of the magic figure as well,two proposals have gained some currency in the last few days. Lets choose a president by consensus,says one. And,let him/her be non-political. The suggestions are related: since the numbers are so tight and consensus will be difficult to form on a political candidate, a non-political candidate must be installed in Rashtrapati Bhavan by common agreement. This solution may look more wholesome than it really is.
The distinction between a political and a non-political president is a spurious one. Even if it were possible to exorcise politics from the president,it will not be possible to take the president out of politics. Rashtrapati Bhavan can send strong signals to the executive,even quietly nudge public discourse. Inviting a party or a group to form the government in the event of an indecisive verdict is guided by precedent and well-established legal rulings but how the president goes about it is tremendously significant. All these involve political calls and judgements. And demand fairness and independence being apolitical is clearly no qualification.
