Left parties reject plan for Kalam's 2nd term

 Updated at 1110 hrs: CPI (M) has agreed to discuss the proposal put forward by the Third Front for a second term in office to President A P J Abdul Kalam, Telugu Desam party chief N Chandrababu Naidu claimed here today.

Talking to reporters after a 30-minute meeting with CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat and polit bureau member Sitaram Yechury, he said: "We have told them very clearly that the mood of the nation and will of the people was for a second term to Kalam. He said he will discuss it in the party."

Naidu also said CPI(M) leaders felt it was very late but later agreed to discuss the proposal. "Even NDA had decided to support Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat but said they will discuss it today," he said.

 Naidu asserted that they were not here to "play politics" on the Presidential election but seeking a second term for Kalam as he is the best choice.

 The TDP supremo was also critical of Congress for attacking the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) over its efforts.  "It is not correct. I don't know why they did that. We are not playing politics. We are working in the interest of the nation," he said.

 Besides Naidu, SP leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh, INLD chief Om Prakash Chautala, AIADMK representatives Thambidurai, Malaichamy and Maitreyan, MDMK leader Krishnan and AGP chief Brindaban Goswami were also present in the meeting.

 Asked whether they were hopeful that CPI(M) would support Kalam, Yadav said: "Hum nirash nahi hai (we are not pessimistic)". Asked what would be their future course of action if they do not manage to muster enough support for Kalam, Naidu said it was a hypothetical question.

 Asked if they planned to meet Congres president Sonia Gandhi, he said she did not give an appointment yesterday and expressed readiness to meet her if she is willing.