Eight regional parties defer decision on support for President

Adopting a wait-and-watch policy on the Presidential election, eight regional parties, including Samajwadi party and Telugu Desam Party, on Wednesday deferred a decision on whom to support for the top post.

Discounting reports that they could consider extending support to Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat if he enters the fray as an independent, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu said, "It is all speculation. We should not discuss the names and create controversies."

The conclave of regional parties, held at Naidu's Jubilee Hills residence in Hyderabad, had a "preliminary discussion" on the stand to be taken on Presidential election and further discussions would be held at their next meeting to be held at Chennai.

"We have resolved to meet again at Chennai and the date will be announced later," All India Anna Dravida Munnethra Kazhagam Chief J Jayalalithaa told reporters.

The three-hour meeting was attended by Jayalalithaa, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh (Samajawadi Party), Brindavan Goswami (Asom Gana Parishad), Omprakash Chautala (Indian National Lok Dal), Babulal Marandi (Jharkhand Vikas Morcha) and Vaiko while K J Thomas of Kerala Congress sent a letter of support.

The grouping of regional parties, according to sources, is keen to support a Left nominee for the top post.