Presidential poll still open: BJP

June 17, 2012 | National News | Written by

New Delhi, June 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) said on Sunday that the presidential poll is still “open” and the party was still contemplating over its nominee for the top job.

Addressing a news conference here, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, “It (presidential poll) is still open and it is not sure who will take over as the next president of India. The BJP and NDA are still contemplating on the issue.”

The NDA, minus the Shiv Sena, met on Sunday to decide its presidential candidate. However, no consensus could be reached and the decision has been deferred till NDA meets its Chief Ministers.

“The NDA would meet its Chief Ministers, key leaders and other political parties to decide on a name. We would meet then and brief all of you about our future plan of action,” Hussain said.

The presidential elections will be held on July 19. The vote count will take place on July 22.

Pratibha Devisingh Patil’s term as President ends on July 24. (ANI)