06-17-2007, 09:41 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Push and pull begins </b>
Pioneer News Service | New Delhi
Man or woman, won't support UPA: Jaya
Amid politically significant moves, the ruling UPA and the Opposition NDA on Saturday stepped up campaigns for garnering support for their respective Presidential candidates.Â
In a contest which is bound to test the strength as well as the political acumen of the rival camps, Vice- President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat on Saturday ignored protocol and called on UPA's Presidential nominee Pratibha Patil at Jodhpur House after she arrived in New Delhi on Saturday.
Shekhawat, who was accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, refused to divulge to the media what transpired in his 20-minute meeting with Patil.
Shekhawat's move to meet Patil is being seen as a pre-emptive one as Patil had sought an appointment to meet him.
Expecting a close contest, both camps have adopted the twin strategy to consolidate support within their respective alliances and, simultaneously, poach into the rival's support base.
<b>On a day of hectic activities, Shekhawat spoke to several leaders including AIADMK Chief J Jayalalitha who has, incidentally, made ti clear that there is "no question of supporting the Congress candidate whether man or woman."</b>
<b>Putting his weight behind Shekhawat, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee talked to Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray while Leader of Opposition LK Advani held talks with Janata Dal(U) leader Sharad Yadav. </b>
<b>After the meeting, Yadav categorically said "there is no difference among us. We will go by the NDA's choice."</b>
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, meanwhile, led the mobilisation drive for UPA by inviting SP general Secretary Amar Singh for talks and having telephonic conversations with Sharad Yadav and Bal Thackeray.
<b>In a pre-emptive exercise, NDA Convenor George Fernandes called on Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and sought the SP's backing for Shekhawat.</b>
<b>Former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, another member of the Socialist block, appealed all parties to support Shekhawat.</b>
On its part, the Election Commission on Saturday formally announced the poll schedule. The last date for nominations is June 30. Papers would be scrutinised on July 2. The last date for withdrawals is July 4 and polling will be held on July 19. Counting is fixed for July 21.
On a day of hectic political meetings, NDA sources said they had received signals from AIADMK, SP, Telugu Desam, Indian National Lok Dal and the Asom Gana Parishad that they are ready for a joint strategy to ensure the defeat of the UPA nominee. The group is expected to finalise its stand at a meeting of its constituents in Chennai on Monday. The NDA leaders will meet the same day.
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Pioneer News Service | New Delhi
Man or woman, won't support UPA: Jaya
Amid politically significant moves, the ruling UPA and the Opposition NDA on Saturday stepped up campaigns for garnering support for their respective Presidential candidates.Â
In a contest which is bound to test the strength as well as the political acumen of the rival camps, Vice- President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat on Saturday ignored protocol and called on UPA's Presidential nominee Pratibha Patil at Jodhpur House after she arrived in New Delhi on Saturday.
Shekhawat, who was accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, refused to divulge to the media what transpired in his 20-minute meeting with Patil.
Shekhawat's move to meet Patil is being seen as a pre-emptive one as Patil had sought an appointment to meet him.
Expecting a close contest, both camps have adopted the twin strategy to consolidate support within their respective alliances and, simultaneously, poach into the rival's support base.
<b>On a day of hectic activities, Shekhawat spoke to several leaders including AIADMK Chief J Jayalalitha who has, incidentally, made ti clear that there is "no question of supporting the Congress candidate whether man or woman."</b>
<b>Putting his weight behind Shekhawat, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee talked to Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray while Leader of Opposition LK Advani held talks with Janata Dal(U) leader Sharad Yadav. </b>
<b>After the meeting, Yadav categorically said "there is no difference among us. We will go by the NDA's choice."</b>
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, meanwhile, led the mobilisation drive for UPA by inviting SP general Secretary Amar Singh for talks and having telephonic conversations with Sharad Yadav and Bal Thackeray.
<b>In a pre-emptive exercise, NDA Convenor George Fernandes called on Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and sought the SP's backing for Shekhawat.</b>
<b>Former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, another member of the Socialist block, appealed all parties to support Shekhawat.</b>
On its part, the Election Commission on Saturday formally announced the poll schedule. The last date for nominations is June 30. Papers would be scrutinised on July 2. The last date for withdrawals is July 4 and polling will be held on July 19. Counting is fixed for July 21.
On a day of hectic political meetings, NDA sources said they had received signals from AIADMK, SP, Telugu Desam, Indian National Lok Dal and the Asom Gana Parishad that they are ready for a joint strategy to ensure the defeat of the UPA nominee. The group is expected to finalise its stand at a meeting of its constituents in Chennai on Monday. The NDA leaders will meet the same day.
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