Presidential polls: BJP looking forward to nominate Dalit candidate

New Delhi: In a meeting between the RSS and BJP, the RSS has asked the BJP to consider the names of dalit or tribal leaders for presidential polls. The decision can be taken as BJP wants to gain vote bank of backward class.

Jharkhand governor Draupadi Murmu may be the NDA’s presidential candidate. RSS holds the opinion that since Ms Murmu is a woman and a Dalit tribal leader, the Opposition “might just find it difficult” to oppose her, DC reported.

Draupadi Murmu was a minister of state with independent charge for commerce and transport during the BJP-BJD coalition government in the state and hails from Odisha.

Another name of backward leader Thawar Chand Gehlot can be considered, who is the Union social justice minister. BJP president Amit Shah had recently met top Sangh leaders, including RSS Mohan Bhagwat, in Nagpur to discuss the presidential election. Pranab Mukherjee’s term ends on July 25, so the presidential election will be held in July.

Neither the party nor RSS wants to have a President of opposition’s preference. Sources said though Mr Amit Shah has talked of consulting the opposition parties on the presidential candidate. while with PM Modi, RSS wants to have a saffron figure in the Rashtriya Bhawan.