His supporters, however dismissed the prospect of Mr Kharge emerging as the Opposition candidate.
BENGALURU: This veteran of many an electoral battle could be chary of entering the contest to occupy Rashtrapati Bhavan though some of his senior colleagues are egging him on to accept the responsibility of a candidate representing the united Opposition.
Mr Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, who holds a record of winning consecutive elections since 1972, could emerge as the choice of the Opposition to contest against Mr Ram Nath Kovind, the other choice being Mrs Meira Kumar, as part of a strategy to counter the BJP-led NDA government’s decision to field a Dalit for the Presidential polls. Mr Kharge has gained in stature while combating the ruling party in the Lok Sabha.
His supporters, however dismissed the prospect of Mr Kharge emerging as the Opposition candidate. Evidently, the leader has clarified to the party’s leadership that he would like to play a role in active politics for some more time. Besides, in case he quits his seat to contest the Presidential poll, the party would face the prospect of a parliamentary by-poll.
