The Left allies which will be meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday to take a view on the presidential nominees being shortlisted within the UPA, are likely to push for a politician rather than a non-political personality like President A P J Abdul Kalam to succeed him. 
CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan who has already had discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the matter made clear that the Left would like to see a political candidate take over the reins.
“This is a highly political, constitutional job that must be handled by someone who knows all the political trends and is aware of constitutional obligations,” Mr Bardhan said, dismissing the argument for a an “apolitical and independent” nominee.
Mr Bardhan who said a consensus within the UPA was likely within a week, hinted that Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee’s chances appeared dim. “We’re not in a position to set up our own candidate,” he said, adding that the newly elected UP Chief Minister Mayawati’s view on the candidate would be “decisive”.
Putting forward arguments against the renomination of President Kalam, the CPI leader said no president has been given a second term and there was no reason to do so now. Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekawat’s BJP and RSS background was a disqualification as far as the Left is concerned, Mr Bardhan said.