Presidential poll: BJP works on increasing Ram Nath Kovind's victory margin

NEW DELHI: NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind may have the numbers to sail to victory but the ruling alliance is not being complacent and is courting several Independent MPs and MLAs.

BJP even expects some cross voting from other parties, including the Congress.

During his visit to various state capitals to garner support, Kovind has also met several Independent MLAs, who have shown their inclination to vote for him. During his visit to UP, some Independents, including Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiyya, the controversial MLA from Kunda met Kovind.

They are likely to support the NDA nominee. BJP sources said the purpose behind increasing Kovind’s votes is to send across a message that he has been chosen by a wide spectrum of voters and also show that the Opposition is weak and its claims of being a united force against NDA are false.



Two Independent MLAs from Uttarakhand and one from Jammu and Kashmir have also announced their support for Kovind. BJP is in touch with some Independents from Karnataka and an announcement of their support is likely to be announced on July 5 when Kovind visits the state.

Kovind will begin his tour of the Northeastern states on July 6. During his stay, BJP expects some Independents MLAs and MPs to express their support for his candidature.

NPP president and Mizoram MP Conrad Sangma is also likely to vote for the NDA candidate. BJP is also in touch with several Independent MPs from both Houses of Parliament. Value of an MP’s vote is 708. Party sources said its senior ministers are in touch with Independent MPs like Rajeev Chandrashekar, Subhash Chandra, Parimal Nathwani, Sanjay Kakade, Amar Singh and A V Swamy, and all of them are likely to support Kovind.

The nominated MPs from both Houses and state assemblies are not part of the electoral college of the presidential elections. BJP is also in touch with rebels, disgruntled lawmakers and those MPs and MLAs from various states who have shown an inclination to shift to the saffron party.

Since no whip is issued by the political parties in the presidential elections, BJP hopes many lawmakers in Parliament and various states will vote ‘as per their conscience’,a euphemism for cross voting.

BJP sources said the party had feelers that some legislators from Congress, Trinamool, NCP, SP, AAP and BSP may vote for Kovind.