CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK faction has announced its support for Ram Nath Kovind, the NDA candidate for the presidential election, boosting his chances of winning. The decision was announced by Chief Minister E Palaniswamy, amid efforts from opposition parties, led by the Congress, to put up former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as the unified candidate against Kovind. Even rival faction, AIADMK (Amma) extended support as O Panneerselvam said BJP President Amit Shah had sought support from him and the topic was discussed with senior functionaries of the faction on June 22, along with MPs and MLAs owing allegiance to him.
“Based on that and heeding to Shah's request, it has been unanimously decided to back Kovind,” OPS told reporters in Chennai. He added that an “opportunity” was being provided to a member of the Dalit community to be elected to the President's Office, and “for providing that opportunity, we have decided to support him.” When asked if the faction was supporting Kovind because he hails from the Dalit community, OPS said the presidential nominee was an MP twice, besides having served as Governor of Bihar, and was therefore, “experienced”. “We are confident he will perform as a good administrator.”
There is no reason for the BJP to fret as there is a virtual certainty of Kovind's win, considering the support from other NDA parties including Shiv Sena. “After holding discussions with our party leaders, we have decided to back the NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind. After our support, I do not think it will be difficult for the BJP to get him elected,” Shiv Sena chief Uday Thackeray said.
