Prez polls: BJP authorises Nadda, Rajnath to hold talks with other parties

Ahead of the presidential election next month, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday authorised its national president J.P. Nadda and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to hold discussions with other political parties including those in the opposition.

"The two senior leaders will talk to both ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition United Progressive Alliance (UPA) constituents, besides other political parties as well as independent members," the party said in a statement.

The BJP is keen to get all parties and independents on board for a consensus candidate to elect the highest constitutional post in the country.

There are reports that the opposition is likely to put up a joint candidate despite not having numbers on its side and consultations in this regard have already begun.

Quoting sources, PTI reported that Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has reached out to leaders of some opposition parties and sought their views for a joint opposition candidate who can be fielded.

The presidential polls will be held on July 18.

As many as 4,809 electors comprising MPs and MLAs will vote to elect incumbent Ram Nath Kovind's successor. Going by its strength in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, as well as in many state assemblies, the BJP is in a comfortable position to ensure the victory of the candidate nominated by it in the upcoming election.

Kovind's term ends on July 24 and an election for the next president has to be held before that day.