BJP leader Sudheendra Kulkarni has conceded that UPA candidate Pranab Mukherjee will be the next President of India. “We know it is a foregone conclusion, and the margin of victory will be a large one”, said Kulkarni in an interview to the Times Now television channel.
However he noted that many of India’s most eminent Presidents had not been elected uncontested, and said it was important for the NDA that they put up a candidate, keeping the importance of the elections in mind.
The BJP said they had the greatest regard for Pranab: AP
Kulkarni added that the main reason behind the decision to back Sangma for President, was getting the NDA together with a post Presidential poll scenario in mind.
Kulkarni added that he hoped Pranab Mukherjee would make a good President, adding that he hoped that he displayed the necessary acumen to guide India through what is looking like an extremely difficult time for the country.
“Just because we voted against Pranab, does not mean we have any less regard for Pranab-da. He is a great leader”, Kulkarni added.
However he said that Sangma was not a bad choice of candidate as he had also served the country well, and was one of the greatest Lok Sabha speakers the country had ever seen.
