The Presidential polls: The Opposition and the search for a consensus candidate

By Advait Moharir

The year 2017, so far, has been one of hectic electoral activity in India. With 5 Assembly elections done and dusted with, the fever is yet to die down. This is because a big decision is yet to be made by the MPs and MLAs in July-the election of India’s President. With incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee’s term expiring, political parties across the spectrum are lobbying hard and fast to prop up potential candidates for the post of India’s ceremonial head.

The current scenario

The BJP seems comfortably placed in this Presidential race. With back to back election victories this year, it now commands close to 80% of the electoral college and can influence the selection of the candidate. However, it has been hesitant in declaring any potential candidate. Also, the latest Supreme Court decision to revive charges of criminal conspiracy for the demolition of the Babri Masjid against BJP veterans LK Advani, Uma Bharti and Murali Manohar Joshi, has reduced the BJP’s options.

Presidential possibilities: The frontrunners

The current situation has given the Opposition a small window to put up a consensus candidate, and the parties have seized it with open arms. Congress President Sonia Gandhi has taken the lead and held parleys with several leaders of the Opposition, who are now looking forward to challenging the BJP’s might. Here are some possible candidates-

1) Hamid Ansari: Currently serving as Vice President of India, Ansari abdicates office on August 10th. Coming from a bureaucratic background, Ansari was a member of the IFS (Indian Foreign Services), and has represented India as Ambassador on the world stage for many years, even serving as a permanent representative to the UN. Known to be soft spoken yet firm, Ansari has chaired many Parliamentary Committees and has a distinguished history of service behind him. With the ruling party BJP having no history of dispute with him, Ansari has all the required characteristics to be a good consensus candidate. Added to this is the historical precedent of six Vice Presidents going on to become the President of India

2) Sharad Pawar: Next on the list is NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) Supremo and UPA (United Progressive Alliance) ally Sharad Pawar. A heavyweight politician having vast administrative experience, Pawar has had the distinction of serving as Maharashtra’s youngest Chief Minister. Having had his share of political ups and downs is what makes Pawar stand out in is his ability to maintain good relations with leaders across the spectrum. It was no surprise when a galaxy of leaders from all across India, including PM Modi, was present at Pawar’s 75th birthday celebration. Despite his party being associated with corruption and its poor track record in elections, Pawar still remains a formidable force to be reckoned with in Indian politics and can be used by the Opposition to obtain votes from the BJP.

3) Pranab Mukherjee: Apart from the other names doing rounds, there has been talk of allowing Mukherjee to continue for a second term. While this may seem implausible, Mukherjee’s record has been a fairly decent one. His relations with the BJP have been quite amicable, with him praising some government initiatives on record. However, he has condemned the government when required too, asserting the importance of tolerance and diversity multiple times. Thus, he has a fair shot at being picked as the Opposition candidate.

Other possibilities

These three candidates are frontrunners, mainly because of their long experience in politics, pan-party connect and acceptability. However, there are other options which the Opposition can explore as well. CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury has emerged as a strong non-Congress Opposition leader, clearly articulating the anti-government stand. He could well be a candidate for Rashtrapati Bhavan if he manages to gain acceptability. The former governor of Kerala and ex-Delhi CM, Sheila Dikshit, is another option, given her vast administrative experience and knowledge of the power corridors of Delhi.

The options available to the Opposition are many, and the very act of putting up a candidate for the election, despite the low chances of winning, is a move to overthrow the dominance of the BJP. The final decision is entirely dependant on how political events play out over the next few months.

Featured Image Source: India West