Its Patil vs Shekhawat now | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Its Patil vs Shekhawat now

IANS | By, New Delhi
Jul 02, 2007 04:41 PM IST

After all others in the fray were ruled out during scrutiny, a straight contest was declared between Patil and Shekhawat for the presidential polls on Monday.

The fight for the President is a straight contest between the United Progressive Alliance's Pratibha Patil and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, it was confirmed on Monday after all others in the fray were ruled out during scrutiny.

HT Image
HT Image

Four sets of nomination papers submitted by the ruling UPA-Left-Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) combine's Patil and two filed by the opposition backed Shekhawat were the only ones found valid after scrutiny, said Lok Sabha Secretary General PDT Achary, the returning officer for the July 19 presidential polls.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"All other nomination papers were found invalid," Achary told reporters at a press conference in New Delhi.

He said 72 other candidates had filed their nominations, but none fulfilled all the requirements needed to contest for the country's highest constitutional post.

None could attach the signatures of at least 50 proposers and as many seconders, mandatory for filing their papers, and some did not even deposit the required Rs 15,000.

In the 2002 presidential elections, 60 non-serious candidates had filed papers.

The Presidential and Vice Presidential Act, 1952, was amended in 1997 to make it compulsory for the nomination paper of a candidate to be subscribed by at least 50 proposers and seconders from the electoral college of MPs and MLAs, which elects the President.

Initially, there were no restrictions for contesting the presidential election. The act was first amended in 1974 to insist that the candidate should have 10 proposers and seconders each. It was later increased to 50 in 1997.

Filing of nomination had begun on June 16 and ended on June 30. The last day of withdrawal is Wednesday.

Although Patil's victory appears to be a foregone conclusion as the UPA and its allies have majority in the 1.09 million strong electoral college, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led opposition's charges against her have evoked an extraordinary interest in the presidential poll.

The BJP-led opposition has announced support for Shekhawat, who is contesting as an independent.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On