UPA's choice is a Rajput challenge to Shekhawat

UPA's Raisina Hill climb

One of the factors which tilted the scales in favour of Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil in the presidential stakes is that she is a Shekhawati Rajput by marriage and would pose a strong challenge to Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the NDA's likely candidate.

However, aides of the vice-president insisted that his strategy""to persuade as many UPA MPs as possible to vote in his favour""remains unchanged.

"Pratibha Patil is a less strong candidate than Shivraj Patil and we are still confident that we will be able to persuade at least come MPs to cross-vote," said an aide of the vice-president.

Singh seems to be taking heart that DMK chief M Karunanidhi had a major role to play in finalising Pratibha Patil's name. The head of the Third Front is AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa, bitterly opposed to Karunanidhi. She will welcome any attempt to puncture the DMK balloon and may come to the vice-president's aid by pushing the Third Front to support him, the NDA leaders believe

"Bhairon Singhji is a Rajput from Rajasthan and has provided leadership to the state and community for many years. Just because Patil is married to a Shekhawat does not mean that she will draw automatic support from Thakur and Rajput MPs and MLAs," said a senior BJP office-bearer.

With the names out in the open, wooing of MPs and MLAs will begin in right earnest now.