Monday, May 20th 05:54 PM IST
 

Congress should put its foot down with Mamata and push their own candidate for President

Arun George

As Ambika Soni pointed out it was the first time that a sitting Prime Minister has even been suggested as a potential candidate for the post of President. Thanks to Mamata Banerjee, the Congress has been embarrassed and is forced to scurry about attempting to find allies to support their candidate for President. To show that Mamata is merely an ally and not the only constituent of the UPA, the Congress should not only name its candidate and put its foot down. They might not have done it to solve the nation’s economic problems but at least for their own pride and self-respect they should be a little more firm.  read less read more

Simantik Dowerah

Why should Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee not push for her presidential choices? Her party is an important ally of the UPA and it is improper for the Congress to impose terms. Her candidates are not duds but proven and successful public personalities. If there is to be a contest, there should be one. If Congress has the guts, it should challenge Mamata’s candidate democratically rather than complaining over political propriety. Banerjee has every right to demand money for her state and act in way that helps Trinamool’s future prospects being a part of any political alliance that is convenient. Isn’t Sonia Gandhi doing that as well?  read less read more