The presidential race from afar is now looking more akin to the game of chess where each move is weighed and given much prudence before the decision is made. Just the other day, I marveled at how Sonia in her defeat emerged victorious in declaring Pratibha Patil as the UPA-Left candidate for president.
And today I have come to appreciate the manner in which the Third Front has almost staged a coup d’état. By deciding to support incumbent APJ Abdul Kalam for a second term at Rashtrapati, the tables are leveling out for an interesting finish. It’s a brilliant move, and if Kalam does consent, it would not matter as much who ultimately wins.
I find brilliance in their decision, because in doing so the Third Front has attempted to neutralize several fronts. While it may have displeased NDA for not supporting their new candidate, by supporting Kalam who was the NDA can didate for the last term, it has blunted the edge off NDA.
Furthermore Kalam at this point perhaps would be the best candidate to present a stiff face-off with Pratibha, whose comments on the Purdah system has left everyone unsure and uncertain about her orientation, which most certainly took some shine off from the public hysteria. Most fundamentally, considering that public opinion was not adverse to Kalam, Sonia will have to be astute with her next move. Whether or not Kalam agrees to contest for a second term, the move nonetheless is brilliant.
