SP divided over prez nominee

Opposition Presidential nominee Meira Kumar on Friday met SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP president Mayawati and sought their support.

Meira later told reporters that she was “sure” of her victory. “I have been receiving support from several Opposition parties. I have been closely connected to Uttar Pradesh. The SP, BSP and RLD have assured support to me,” she said.

She had contested the Lok Sabha polls from Bijnore in 1985. “I am honoured to be chosen by the Opposition for the top constitutional post,” she said.

Following his meeting with Meira, Akhilesh said, “We are solidly behind her.” He also hosted lunch in her honour.

The SP has 47 members in the Assembly, while the BSP has 19. The RLD has only one member. However, a division in the SP rank on the Presidential election was evident .

Senior SP leader and Akhilesh’s uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav on Friday declared that he would support NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav has also pledged support to Kovind. Mulayam had said that Kovind was a “better” candidate.