With the terms of President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari coming to end on July 24 and August 10 respectively, the Opposition parties have started discussions on the possibilities of putting up common candidates for both the posts.

Though the discussions on “names” have not yet formally started, the Opposition favours persons who can uphold constitutional and secular values, for the posts. After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury met her on Thursday and is learnt to have discussed the possibilities before the Opposition.

After the Uttar Pradesh elections, the BJP has improved its position in the electoral college that elects the President and Vice -President. The ruling front has also started discussions on the matter.

Courtesy call

The Congress said no names were discussed and Kumar’s meeting was just a courtesy call. Party’s chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the party leadership will hold discussions with all like-minded parties before finalising a decision on the Presidential candidate. The CPI(M)’s Central Committee had also discussed the Presidential elections. The party is also keen for a joint fight.

Yechury had also discussed the matter with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad. Kumar had also interacted with the CPI(M) leader on the issue. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s meeting with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also given a momentum to the speculations on the upcoming polls.

Opposition names

Rumours of giving a second term to President Pranab Mukherjee have also been making the rounds.

The Opposition is reportedly considering the names of Vice-President Ansari and JD (U) president and veteran MP Sharad Yadav for the top post. The Opposition parties are expected to decide the candidates by the third week of May.

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