NDA for Shekhawat as independent candidate

The Opposition NDA today decided to support Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as an independent candidate for the Presidential elections.

The decision was taken at a crucial meeting of the opposition alliance here chaired by former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Announcing the decision, Vajpayee told reporters that Shekhawat discharged his responsibilities as Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman "entirely beyond party affiliations and with impeccable secular credentials."

NDA constituent Shiv Sena, however, reserved its stand on extending support to Shekhawat and decided to take a decision tomorrow.