Presidential poll: Pranab win possible only with Shiv Sena, JDU support, says Bal Thackeray

MUMBAI: The victory of UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee in the Presidential poll is "certain" only with the support of Shiv Sena and Janata Dal (United), Sena chief Bal Thackeray said here today.

"Neither Mukherjee nor P A Sangma have the ability to get elected on their own, on their party strength alone. That is why, the poll is being contested on borrowed support," Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece "Saamana".

"When Pranab went to file nominations, he was accompanied by Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Mulayam Yadav, Lalu Prasad, Ramvilas Paswan, T R Balu. But the maths isn't that just because these people are with him, he will win and go to Rashtrapati Bhawan. His victory is certain only because of the open-hearted support given by Shiv Sena and JD (U)," Thackeray said.

Stating that the Sena and JD(U) decided to support Mukherjee as he was a veteran and an administrator with balanced outlook, Thackeray said that Mukheree's occupying the Rashtrapati Bhawan would only benefit the country, instead of causing any loss.

"Keeping in mind the present unstable scenario (in the country) and the chaos, anarchy in future, we decided to support Pranab as we are confident that only he can overcome the situation and has the ability to take the right decisions," Thackeray said.

"Pranab may not be a "missile man" but his vast experience is no less than any nuclear bomb. Anyway, despite us having the nuclear bomb, Afzal Guru did attack Parliament.. Now Pranab babu should be given the opportunity to tighten the hangman's noose around Afzal's neck," he said.

Pranab Mukherjee was deliberately kept away from the posts of PM and President as he was not subservient, he said.

"Mukherjee is a super power in the Manmohan Singh government and it is going to become a lameduck because he is going to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. That is why Opposition parties should be the most happy ones about it," Thackeray said.

"Mukherjee has snapped ties with Congress. He is the presidential candidate and he can win. Our support is limited only to him," Thackeray said.