Uddhav Thackeray had said the Sena had proposed Bhagwat's name, keeping in mind the concept of "Hindurashtra" (Hindu nation).
"We held deliberations with senior party leaders and have made a decision to support Ram Nath Kovind's candidature". He has a nice personality. Why should we be interested if you want a person who will work only for Dalits. Kovind is likely to file his papers on 23 June, BJP president Amit Shah said in Delhi after a almost two-hour meeting of the party's parliamentary board.
However, he said the party would not tolerate if the candidature is intended for ensuring provision of Dalit votes, as the Shiv Sena keeps away from vote-bank politics. Kovind's nomination will help the party to consolidate Dalit vote bank ahead of polls. Sena has never indulged in the politics of hiding behind someone. However, he was quick to add that his party would take the decision whether to support Kovind on Tuesday after considering all factors.
Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind, 71, is a long-time Bharatiya Janata Party worker.
West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi was given additional charge of Bihar. A final call on the anti-Kovind candidate will be taken at a meeting of the Opposition front on June 22.
With the backing of parties outside the alliance, including the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (2 percent), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (5.39 percent), Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress (1.53 percent) and Biju Janata Dal (2.99 percent), the NDA's support could cross the half-way mark to reach almost 61 percent in the July 17 battle.
Ellen catches a member of the audience stealing free merchandise
Ellen is always looking for a teachable lesson and this video seemed a bit different from the pranks she typically pulls. She set up cameras and for the most part, everyone was honest.
The total comes to 10,98,903 votes with each MP carrying a vote value of 708. "I have a very old relation with him", Mulayam was quoted as saying by the ANI. "The Sena will support him", Uddhav said at a news conference after holding consultations with senior colleagues at Matoshree.
Azad would also meet RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, who leans towards the Congress.
Downplaying the rift within the NDA following Uddhav Thackeray's criticism that the BJP was fielding Kovind to win over Dalit votes, Swamy said that it was natural of its "Hindutva brother" to side with the ruling dispensation.
Congress sources feel Shinde could be a better candidate due to his record in public life. In 2007, it backed Pratibha Patil instead of NDA candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawt.
"For the Left, the president's election has become a battle of ideologies and a battle for safeguarding the Constitution and secular democracy. We didn't expect this from them", said Azad.
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