IBRIS
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The presidential elections are widely predicted to be the UPAs biggest challenge to prevent future erosion of its authority depleted by scams and electoral reverses. But I do not foresee any major problem in the election of the ruling combinations candidate, be it Hamid Ansari or Pranab Mukherjee.
If fielded by the UPA, Ansari, a career diplomat who served India with distinction, is unlikely to face opposition from the Samajwadi Party and the BSP. Besides being a Muslim, the vice president hails from Uttar Pradesh.
Its difficult to predict the mercurial Mamata Banerjees approach. But even for her, stalling a candidate backed by the UPAs outside supporters would mean pushing the Congress into the arms of the Left, whose soft-spot for Ansari is well known. The communists had a role in his elevation as vice president under UPA-I.
Barring his controversial decision to terminate the Rajya Sabha debate on the Lok Pal Bill, the vice president has done well as ex-officio chairman of the Upper House. His election would add value to the highest constitutional office.
In contrast, a broader consensus might be possible around the candidature of Mukherjee. Regardless of his long association with the Congress, hes respected for his legendary grasp of complex administrative, parliamentary and constitutional issues.
Mukherjee reportedly is keen on wrapping up his enviable career with a stint in the presidency. The problem is of his indispensability as the Congress-UPAs eternal trouble-shooter. The logic is formidable but not wholly tenable.
If hes so precious in governance terms, why isnt he promoted as PM or at least Deputy Premier? Not only will that refurbish the governments image but make it look stronger in leadership terms.
Mukherjees lack of chemistry with Mamata is well known. But it will be difficult politically for her to oppose his candidature as a fellow Bengali. The State she governs hasnt ever had a nominee in the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
One wouldnt be surprised if the Congress arrives at a quid pro quo with non-UPA parties. It could offer them the VPs office in return for having the President of its choice. Much of what transpires will depend on whom the ruling combine fields for the presidency.
APJ Abdul Kalams is among the other names in circulation. The BJP wants him as a joint candidate of the non-UPA parties. On the face of it, it looks easier planned than successfully executed.
New president could be an old face : Separated At Birth
If fielded by the UPA, Ansari, a career diplomat who served India with distinction, is unlikely to face opposition from the Samajwadi Party and the BSP. Besides being a Muslim, the vice president hails from Uttar Pradesh.
Its difficult to predict the mercurial Mamata Banerjees approach. But even for her, stalling a candidate backed by the UPAs outside supporters would mean pushing the Congress into the arms of the Left, whose soft-spot for Ansari is well known. The communists had a role in his elevation as vice president under UPA-I.
Barring his controversial decision to terminate the Rajya Sabha debate on the Lok Pal Bill, the vice president has done well as ex-officio chairman of the Upper House. His election would add value to the highest constitutional office.
In contrast, a broader consensus might be possible around the candidature of Mukherjee. Regardless of his long association with the Congress, hes respected for his legendary grasp of complex administrative, parliamentary and constitutional issues.
Mukherjee reportedly is keen on wrapping up his enviable career with a stint in the presidency. The problem is of his indispensability as the Congress-UPAs eternal trouble-shooter. The logic is formidable but not wholly tenable.
If hes so precious in governance terms, why isnt he promoted as PM or at least Deputy Premier? Not only will that refurbish the governments image but make it look stronger in leadership terms.
Mukherjees lack of chemistry with Mamata is well known. But it will be difficult politically for her to oppose his candidature as a fellow Bengali. The State she governs hasnt ever had a nominee in the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
One wouldnt be surprised if the Congress arrives at a quid pro quo with non-UPA parties. It could offer them the VPs office in return for having the President of its choice. Much of what transpires will depend on whom the ruling combine fields for the presidency.
APJ Abdul Kalams is among the other names in circulation. The BJP wants him as a joint candidate of the non-UPA parties. On the face of it, it looks easier planned than successfully executed.
New president could be an old face : Separated At Birth
