Dear Editor,
Shiv Sena has suggested the name of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as candidate for presidential election. Considering the rich contribution made by L.K Advani both to the nation and the growth of BJP, he should be unanimously elected as President. All political parties should close their ranks in electing Advani. Sena should not unnecessarily suggest some name only to oppose the candidate fielded by BJP. Modi personally should be indebted to Advani for allowing him to continue as Gujarat Chief Minister when Vajpayee favoured change of leadership in the wake of Godhra incident. Advani’s role in successfully convincing Vajpayee for Modi to continue cannot be forgotten. That was the turning point for Modi. Modi proved his mettle in making Gujarat a vibrant state. Again in national level also, Modi got chance to serve as Prime Minister and prove his capability. If Advani had not taken the pain for Modi to continue as Gujarat CM, perhaps the nation would not have found elevation. Advani’s Prime Ministerial ambition could not be fulfilled. At least he must be made President even though it is a post sans power.
More or less same condition prevailed for Pranab Mukherjee. When Indira Gandhi was assassinated, Mukherjee expressed his desire to take over as Prime Minister. Mukherjee was not choice for the Congress Party leadership. Rajiv Gandhi was groomed for the post. As such Prime Ministerial post slipped from the hands of Mukherjee.
Perhaps sympathy wave in Congress Party in general and high command in particular took him to the post of President. There is some satisfaction that an eminent person adorned the post. Now Advani must be given his due.
K.V Seetharamaiah
Via-e-mai