Sena hints at backing Pratibha, won't support Kalam

Striking a discordant note with ally Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena has ruled out its support for re-election of President A P J Abdul Kalam and indicated intention to back United Progressive Alliance-Left candidate Pratibha Patil.

Sena chief Bal Thackeray said the party's decision on whom it would support would be announced on June 25.

"There are some who say they will withdraw if Kalam opts to contest. But if that happens, whom are we supposed to support. Let's enjoy the fun," Thackeray told party workers in Mumbai on Tuesday, apparently referring to BJP, which has sought consensus
for the incumbent President's re-election.      

"We will not support Kalam. He has lost place in my heart," the Sena supremo said.

Referring to Pratibha Patil's candidature, he said, "All this while we have been addressing the President as Rashtrapati, perhaps now we have to change it to Rashtrapatni."

Criticising both Kalam and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, whose name also had figured among the probable presidential candidates, Thackeray questioned their attitude towards implementation of death sentence awarded to Parliament attack case convict Mohd Afzal Guru.

"Why did they take so long to decide on the Afzal Guru issue? After all Shivraj Patil is incharge of the Home Ministry and yet the file has not moved," he said, adding, "If this is the way a system works, then why do need such Presidents."

Addressing party workers on the occasion of Shiv Sena's 41st Foundation Day, Thackeray said, "The way our nation's politics is being played out, it is really a sight."

"Everybody, even the Congress is in the same dilemma. I also do not know what to do. Maybe it is the time to say Rashtrapatni," he said.