President APJ Abdul Kalam’s term comes to an end in July this year. Should he get a second term or should he make way for a new president? This is the big question that is being debated in various circles across the country. But ask any ordinary person on the streets and most will say that Kalam should be given a second term. In an online and SMSes poll, NDTV Peoples’ Poll, 84% among the 3,00,000 respondent voted in favor of Kalam to continue for a second term in Rashtrapati Bhawan. So Kalam it is for the people. But then what about the politicians who in this case are the one’s who will decide and vote for the next President? Going by the positioning being taken by political parties, a second term for Kalam may not be guaranteed unless there is broad based political consensus in favour of him. Interestingly, according to a joint survey by NDTV and Gfk Mode, majority of MPs and MLAs from different states want to see Kalam for second term in the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The survey has revealed that among the 500 MP and MLAs, 59 per cent have supported Kalam as a perfect person to remain in the office for the second consecutive term. However, about 35 per cent of them supported for a new President. Even in the case of MPs and MLAs vote, their respective party’s decision will have to be borne in mind. The results of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election will also have to be awaited before a clear picture emerges.
However, it will be in the fitness of things to try and postulate on the political side of the Presidential elections. One of the factor going against Kalam’s candidature is the support stand taken by the BJP led NDA Alliance. In 2002 the NDA support for Kalam got him into Rashtrapati Bhawan but in 2007 out of power, this support has turned into a liability for Kalam’s chances. The wind appears to be blowing towards a consensus candidate of the present UPA ruling alliance. This would mean that the Congress led UPA government will want to have its own man as President rather than to piggy back on the NDA’s original choice. And although it has openly not stated so but the Congress party has already started dropping names from the party itself for the highest ceremonial post. There is also enough of indication from the other UPA allies for their consensus choice (and not the NDAs) and since the major Left partner, the CPI (M) has openly come out against the present incumbent, the chances of Kalam returning as President looks remote. Besides the political wind not favouring him, Kalam will also have to be content with history going against him. No President after Rajendra Prasad has been given a second term. Keeping in mind these political and historical circumstances, the prospects of President A P J Abdul Kalam getting a second term seem to be receding. Having said that, Kalam has done exceedingly well as President all the while, maintaining the dignity of the high office. Besides performing (he was no rubber stamp President) the role as head of the State, Kalam inspired the nation with his knowledge, scientific outlook and great vision bringing a sense of purpose to this otherwise ceremonial office. And although he deserves a second term, sadly enough, politics and not meritocracy will in all probability keep him out of the race.
