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The Left Parties on Wednesday decided to oppose the National Democratic Alliance nominee A P J Abdul Kalam in the presidential polls.
"Since the ruling NDA is going ahead with its candidate, the Left parties are of the view that it must be opposed," a joint statement by CPI, CPI-M, RSP and Forward Bloc said.
The statement said the post of President should be filled by a person who is familiar with the complexities of the political situation in the country.
The polity is highly fragmented and coalition government, comprising various diverse parties, have been coming into office, it said.
"The events in Gujarat are a serious warning. The state government has connived in the worst ever pogrom against minorities. The rights ensured for all citizens under the Constitution are not enforced in the state," it said.
The Left parties are of the firm opinion that the person occupying the post of President, which is the highest Constitutional political office, must be able to grasp and respond to these developments, the statement said.
As a custodian of the Constitution, he or she is expected to safeguard the secular democratic foundation of the Indian Republic, it said.
The statement was signed by CPI-M leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet, CPI leader A B Bardhan, RSP leader Abani Roy and Forward Bloc leader G Devrajan.
Coverage of the election for the 11th President of India
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