NDA defers meeting on Presidential poll

With uncertainty over P A Sangma's candidature for the Presidential poll in the wake of the Nationalist Congress Party's threat to sack him, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday decided to adopt a wait and watch attitude and deferred the National Democratic Alliance meeting.

Party sources said the NDA meeting, which was earlier planned for Wednesday, has been deferred as there has been no fresh development since A P J Abdul Kalam withdrew from the race.

"We have decided to adopt a wait and watch attitude. The NDA could meet within a week to take a call," a party leader said.

BJP leaders said there appears to be a consensus within the BJP on backing Sangma for the high constitutional post. However, with NCP still trying to persuade the former Speaker to withdraw from the contest, the party does not want to declare its support for Sangma and face embarrassment in case he decides to pull out of the race.

The BJP also wants to use this time to persuade the Janata Dal - United for a contest instead of a consensus on UPA candidate Pranab Mukherjee.

The NDA will also keenly watch the meeting of Left parties to be held on Thursday on the Presidential poll.

Party sources said the NDA is likely to meet only after it gets a final assurance from Sangma that he will contest.

June 30 is the last date to file nominations for the election.