Misplaced Pages

2012 Indian presidential election

Article snapshot taken from[REDACTED] with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Abitoby (talk | contribs) at 13:35, 17 July 2012 (→Trinamool Congress Support to Pranab Mukherjee). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Revision as of 13:35, 17 July 2012 by Abitoby (talk | contribs) (→Trinamool Congress Support to Pranab Mukherjee)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Indian presidential election, 2012
← 2007 19 July 2012 2017 →
  File:Pranab Mukharjee addresing public in a function.jpg
Nominee Pranab Mukherjee P. A. Sangma
Party INC Independent
Home state West Bengal Meghalaya
Incumbent president

Pratibha Patil
INC



The 14th indirect presidential election, in order to elect the 13th president, will be held in India on 19 July. The last date for filing nominations is 30 June 2012, whereas the votes would be counted on 22 July 2012. The two leading candidates for the office of the presidency are former Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee from West Bengal and former Speaker of the Lok Sabha P. A. Sangma from Meghalaya.

Procedure

Further information: President_of_India § Selection_process

According to the Constitution of India, political parties are forbidden from campaigning for the president and members of a party are permitted not to adhere to party norms in voting for a candidate.

Candidates

This section reads like a press release or a news article.

Various names had been speculated by the Indian media and politicians prior to the official candidacies being submitted. Incumbent Finance Minister of India Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari were among the names speculated. Opinion polls have shown that the public prefers former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam to hold the post once again, which was supported by the BJP, Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party. Mohan Bhagawat, the Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and Swami Rambhadracharya, Hindu religious leader and author, also supported the candidature of Kalam.

The first name formally thrown into contention was that of former Speaker of the Lok Sabha P. A. Sangma, who suggested that a tribal person hold the office, as the preferred candidate by the regional parties from Tamil Nadu and Orissa, the AIADMK and the BJD chief and Chief Minister of Orissa Naveen Patnaik, respectively. On 15 June, the UPA announced Pranab Mukherjee as its presidential candidate. Rumours suggested the Samajwadi party may support the bid. Mukherjee was expected to resign from his incumbent post on 24 June when the prime minister returns from the 2012 G-20 Mexico summit. Kalam also said that he may not contest the election if there was a chance he could lose. On 13 June, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, supportive of the central government's governing coalition, announced their choice of president for the race: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee. Banerjee made the announcement after a meeting with INC Sonia Gandhi, in which she was told of the INC's choices for president. Banerjee also thanked the support for her candidate of Kalam on Facebook. However, Kalam said he would not run against Mukherjee.

There were signs of a split within the Janata Dal (United) with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying that "like the other constituents, the JD (U) too will abide by the final decision on the presidential poll," though Shivanand Tiwari said that "a senior and respected leader like Pranab Mukherjee, who is going into retire should be given a graceful send off." Tiwari added that " is a very senior and a respected leader, and my personal opinion is that as he should be elected to the president’s post with consensus." The Shiv Sena supported Mukherjee's candidates accordin to its spokesman Sanjay Raut. Former president of the party Bal Thackeray said: "Let bygones be bygones. Let us unanimously support Pranab Mukherjee and show the world that hum sab ek hai (we are all united). The farce that is on for the top post of President is not justifiable. The country’s prestige is at stake for political gains. Those who have no merit are also in the race." In response to allegations that he was not supporting the central government coalition, NDA, he said that "Nobody should dare level allegations of treachery and backstabbing against the Shiv Sena. The Sena is not out to seek vengeance because such allegations were made earlier. Writing in Saamna, Thackeray said that the Shiv Sena, which was previously a local party had now gone beyong Mumbai and Thane and, as such, was in a position to choose the country’s president. (in the previous election the party supported the Maharashtrian candidate Pratibha Patil, who was originally nominated by the INC, and opposed by the NDA) On 16 June, Rajya Sabha MP Ram Jethmalani announced his candidature. Though Sangma had said that he would not contest the election and instead support Kalam. He later decided to stay in the race despite the threat of sanctions from his party after renewed a pledge of support from the BJD's Naveen Patnaik. On 20 June, he resigned from the NCP following threats from his party. Minister for Heavy Industries Praful Patel said: "We have supported Pranab Mukherjee who is the best choice for the country for the top constitutional post. Sangma should respect the party's decision and should not contest the elections. [sic] Sangma did not consult the party or senior leaders before announcing his candidature for the post. If he contests the election, it would violate party directive and invite action." He also courted the TMC to support him. Subramanian Swamy then said the NDA would meet at 18:00 to announce its support for his candidature and work to build a consensus over him. "The NCP and the Congress party tried to humiliate Sangma. He resigned on the ground that his self respect has to be protected."

On 18 June, Kalam said he would not run in the race following statement from JDU leader Nitish Kumar and SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav that they would prefer to support Mukherjee. Following Kalam's decision, the BJP-led NDA turned to supporting Sangma.

India Today suggested there were 14 possible candidates:

Official list

The final candidacy application, including a Rs. 15,000 deposit, had 45 names. Scrutiny of the candidates will take place on 2 July Pranab Mukherjee filed his nomination on 28 June with the support of the INC's Manmohan Singh, party president Sonia Gandhi, General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Rashtriya Janata Dal's leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, the Rashtriya Lok Dal's Ajit Singh, the Lok Janshakti Party's Ram Vilas Paswan, the National Conference's Farooq Abdullah, the Indian Union Muslim League's E. Ahmed and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's T. R. Baalu. The Hindustan Times suggested that he also had the support of the National Democratic Alliance's Janata Dal (United) and the Shiv Sena, as well as the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Mukherjee said after filing his nomination papers that "I only wish at this time that we have the blessing of god and cooperation of all at this juncture." P. A. Sangma filed his nomination papers with the support of the Orissan Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, BJP party president Nitin Gadkari and party leaders Lal Krishna Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, as well as the INC's Arvind Netam, who is the head of the Tribal Forum of India which supported Sangma. Prior to filing his nomination with the Rajya Sabha Secretary General V. K. Agnihotri he said that "today is a victory of tribal unity, that a tribal is filing his nomination for the post of president." Notably, the TMC's Chief and Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee had not yet supported any candidate.

Campaign

Sangma's daughter and MP Agatha Sangma campaigned for her father even though she was still a member of the NCP after her father left. As Minister for Rural Development, she told a meeting of tribals in the Bastar area of Chhatisgarh on 25 June that it would be a "welcome gesture" for tribal MPs and MLAs to vote for her father. This was then accompanied by the party's youth wing calling for her expulsion from the party. Her father later said that she would vote according to her "conscience." However, the NCP's Chattisgarh and Orissa units were reported to have complained that she campaigned for her father who was not backed by the party. The matter was scheduled to be discussed by the party after the election, according to NCP General Secretary D.P. Tripathi.

Sangma also said of TMC's support that he was awaiting party leader Mamata Banerjee's comments on who the party would support.

Trinamool Congress Support to Pranab Mukherjee

Trinamool Congress Chief and Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee at the last breaked her silence to support the candidature of Pranab Mukherjee for the post of President of India on july 17th,2012.She said""We have decided to support Pranab Mukherjee for the presidential poll keeping in mind the alliance we have," Banerjee told media persons at the state secretariat, Writers' Buildings after a meeting with the party's parliamentary and legislative party leaders.

The chief minister said she has already informed Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh of her party's decision. "I told him you would be happy to know that we have decided to vote for Pranab Mukherjee."

"It is our unanimous decision. In the interest of the people, democracy ... we have decided to vote for him. Since he is a Bengali ,Keeping it in a mind.

Taking the decision was tough. Had (former president) A.P.J Kalam agreed to be in the race, we would have supported him. Nobody forced my hand. I have not taken my decision by bowing down to any pressure,"

Electoral votes

Party/Alliance Percentage
UPA - TMC 37.6%
NDA 28%
SP 6.2%
Left Front 4.7%
TMC 4.4%
BSP 3.9%
AIADMK 3.3%
BJD 2.7%

References

  1. "Election to the office of President of India, 2012 (14th Presidential election)" (PDF). Election Commission of India. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  2. "India to hold presidential election in July". BBC News. 13 June 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  3. J, Balaji (2012-06-12). "Presidential poll on July 19, counting on July 22". The Hindu. New Delhi. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  4. "Presidential poll on July 19, Mamata to meet Sonia today". The Times of India. 13 June 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  5. "Life as President beckons Pranabda - India - DNA". 20 May 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |pher= ignored (help)
  6. "Lalu pitches for Hamid Ansari for president". Zeenews.india.com. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  7. "People want [[Abdul Kalam]] to become [[President of India]] again; India Today poll finds [[Pranab Mukherjee]], [[Anna Hazare]] as next top choices". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  8. "BJP backs APJ Abdul Kalam for president". Zee News. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  9. "Mamata sends 'advance congratulations' to Kalam". The Times of India. 15 June 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  10. "Presidential race: Mamata says no differences with Mulayam, Kalam is 'their' candidate". The Indian Express. New Delhi, India. 15 June 2012. p. 2. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  11. Rautela, Vikram (18 June 2012). "Kalam is RSS choice for Prez". The Pioneer. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  12. "President poll: Jaya lobbies for PA Sangma". Ibnlive.in.com. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  13. Bhattacharjya, Satarupa. "UPA names Mukherjee for president in econ shakeup". Reuters. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  14. "Pranab Mukherjee is UPA candidate for India's next President". NDTV. 11 June 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  15. "Dramatic Twist to Presidential race". The Hindu. 13 June 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  16. "Mamata says 'thank you' for overwhelming response on Facebook". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2012-06-19.
  17. "Kalam says 'no', leaves NDA in lurch". The Hindu. Retrieved 2012-06-19.
  18. "JD (U) to toe NDA line on Presidential poll: Nitish". The Hindu. 18 June 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  19. "JD(U) leader makes a strong pitch for Pranab Mukherjee". DNA India. 16 June 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  20. "JD-U wants consensus on Pranab Mukherjee". Zee News. 16 June 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  21. "News / National : Presidential poll: Shiv Sena to back Pranab". The Hindu. Retrieved 2012-06-19.
  22. "Front Page : Shiv Sena backs Pratibha Patil". The Hindu. 2007-06-26. Retrieved 2012-06-19.
  23. "Will contest if BJP supports Pranab: Jethmalani". New Delhi, June 16, 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. "Sangma withdraws himself from presidential race, seeks consensus for Abdual Kalam". Headlines today. 16 June 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
  25. "BJD sticks to Sangma as Presidential candidate". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2012-06-19.
  26. "Presidential poll: Sangma quits NCP". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 June 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |locatioon= ignored (help)
  27. "Sangma has quit NCP, will get our support: NDA". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  28. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-18/india/32298401_1_apj-abdul-kalam-bjp-leader-contest
  29. http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/presidential-poll-bjp-draws-a-blank-with-kalam-looks-to-sangma-232846
  30. "Presidential elections: 14 candidates doing the rounds for post". India Today. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  31. "Presidential Elections" (PDF).
  32. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Prez-poll-Pranab-flaunts-more-allies-Sangma-lags-behind/Article1-880179.aspx
  33. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Agatha-Sangma-is-reportedly-campaigning-for-her-father-in-presidential-poll/articleshow/14433447.cms
  34. http://www.firstpost.com/politics/ncp-leaders-push-for-agatha-sangmas-exit-from-party-358716.html
  35. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_agatha-will-vote-as-per-her-conscience-pa-sangma_1713307
  36. ^ http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=768615
  37. http://dailypioneer.com/nation/80183-all-eyes-on-agatha-who-risks-office.html
  38. "Hot the numbers might stack up!" (PDF). The Hindu. 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.

External links

Media
India Presidential elections in India
Categories:
2012 Indian presidential election Add topic