Although the ruling NDA has the majority to get its nominee elected as the next president, still the opposition parties are getting together to nominate their common candidate for the President election 2017.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Congress President Sonia Gandhi are scheduled to meet in Delhi on 25 May, a day ahead of the meeting scheduled for an all-party meet on 26 May. Though no decision could be taken on as to who will be the opposition’s candidate, during the meeting of Sonia and Mamata Banerjee.
A senior Trinamool Congress leader informed that Mamata Banerjee has suggested the name of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson and former governor of West Bengal. While, Sonia Gandhi suggested the name of Meira Kumar, former speaker of Lok Sabha. The final decision will be taken during the all-party meet as these names will be discussed.
CPI and a few other parties are also in favour of nominating Gopalkrishna Gandhi as their candidate and have also contacted him for his consent.
Almost all non-NDA parties will be attending the meeting and are waiting for a confirmation from, Biju Janta Dal led by Naveen Patnaik.