Ruling BJP has sprung a big political but pleasant surprise by naming Ram Nath Kovind as its candidate for next President of India. His nomination has already cracked opposition unity with many non-BJP political parties quickly pledging support to tactical choice of BJP. Now it is certain that fielding of any candidate against Ram Nath Kovind will just be a formality. Opposition Congress lost its right to be consulted for a unanimous choice, because it never consulted the opposition on earlier Presidential elections when it was on the driving seat. It is noteworthy that no one from opposition camp has been able to point out demerit in BJP choice of Ram Nath Kovind who earned fame for developing cordial relations with Bihar Chief Minister after Nitish Kumar initially opposing his appointment as state-governor.
Election for the post of President of India is also a very costly exercise, which should be avoided in larger national interest especially because ruling BJP through its well-planned choice has already gained much more than required support of the Electoral College for the election. To discourage even symbolic direct contest for posts of President and Vice President, nominations for these posts must be signed by total at least 34-percent electors including both proposers and seconders. It is significant that non-serious candidates were eliminated after it was provided to have at least 50 electors as proposers and seconders, paving way for direct elections.
Now since contest if any has to be direct for post of President, Election Commission should replace ballot-papers by Electronic Voting Machines with paper-verification system for fast and foolproof elections. It also becomes necessary in view of big fraud committed in elections to Rajya Sabha from Haryana only because of outdated paper-pen system for voting.
MADHU AGRAWAL