Legislators across the country will today go through the formality of electing K R Narayanan as the next President. Two parties have announced their boycott of the election, but it would have no effect given the overwhelming support enjoyed by Narayanan from across the political spectrum.
However, political circles believe that T N Seshan, a candidate, would secure votes from other parties also, apart from his sponsors, the Shiv Sena and some independent legislators from Maharashtra. A senior Congress leader said the only matter of interest is the number of votes Seshan would secure, since there were quite a few non-Shiv Sena legislators and MPs who are favourably disposed towards him.
Narayanan is supported by the United Front, the Congress and the BJP, among several other parties. Four separate sets of nomination papers were filed on behalf of Narayanan while only one set was moved by the Shiv Sena in support of Seshan's candidature.
Two parties
