India is set on a new season of presidential polls –a voting exercise involving elected representatives from Parliament and state/UT legislative bodies. While the Election Commission has issued the schedule for the polls leading up to the installation of a new President on July 25, there is no scope for a serious contest this time, or a nail-biting finish or a spirited pre-poll build-up. The ruling NDA is in a comfortable position to win the race in case there is a contest – which is likely for the sake of a contest – and the mood in the Opposition camp is progressively downbeat after the recent electoral win of the BJP in four states including UP. This has cleared all uncertainties in the air about the Presidential polls.
The suspense, however, is on the selection of the NDA candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi does have the last word but he’s sure to consult the RSS leadership and his own cabinet colleagues on a final name. The President’s signature is the most prized requirement to run the government at every step it takes forward; and yet, this is seen as an ornamental post for the reason that the decisions of the executive – cabinet – prevail as long as no harm to national security is involved. By convention, Indian presidents are not on a confrontation course with the elected government. Yet, in crucial situations like a government losing its majority, the President holds the trump card as to how to handle the extra-ordinary situation. India is passing through a phase of political stability and this warranted no President’s Rule even in states in recent years.
As no President other than the first occupant of Rashtrapati Bhavan Dr Rajendra Prasad got a second term, chances for Kovind for a repeat term are less. Several interest groups vie for recognition and the PM may have to reconcile with these. The BJP had made Space scientist Dr Abdul Kalam the President when Atal Behari Vajpayee was prime minister. Someone from a minority segment could be among the list of probables for President and Vice President this time around too. Kalam was a combination of eminence and minority representation. He lent added weight to the institution of Presidency by his conduct, words and deeds. Such are the ideal situations. Fact of the matter is there’s a deficit of eminence when it comes to India’s governance systems. Even the upper house of elders, the Rajya Sabha, is now filled with run-of-the-mill politicians who do not inspire the nation.
