Presidential poll: Shiv Sena to back Pranab

MUMBAI, June 19, 2012



Giving a major boost to UPA Presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee, key NDA constituent Shiv Sena has assured him of its support in his bid for the top constitutional post and sought unanimous support for him.



"The Sena will support Pranab Mukherjee (in the Presidential polls)," Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut told PTI.



The assurance was given to Mr. Mukherjee, who called up Sena chief Bal Thackeray and his son Uddhav Thackeray, the party executive president, on Monday, Sena sources said.



"Let bygones be bygones. Let us unanimously support Pranab Mukherjee and show the world that "hum sab ek hai" (we are all united)," Mr. Bal Thackeray has said.



"The farce that is on for the top post of President is not justifiable. The country's prestige is at stake for political gains. Those who have no merit are also in the race," the Sena chief said.



He also dismissed allegations of backstabbing raised against the party. "Nobody should dare level allegations of treachery and backstabbing against the Shiv Sena. The Sena is not out to seek vengeance because such allegations were made earlier," he said, in a statement published in the party mouthpiece Saamana.



In an editorial in Saamana, Mr. Bal Thackeray said the Sena, which is celebrating its 46th anniversary on Tuesday, has crossed the borders of Mumbai and Thane and is in a position to decide the country's President.



Sena, the oldest ideological ally of BJP, was understood to be concerned over the approach of the NDA to the Presidential polls and disappointed that the alliance has not been able finalise its candidate.



Shiv Sena had supported Pratibha Patil in 2007, breaking ranks with BJP as Ms. Patil hailed from Maharashtra. BJP and other NDA constituents had at that time backed late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat for the post of President.
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