Guwahati: The Shiv Sena stated on Tuesday that they will support Draupadi Murmu, the NDA’s presidential candidate, while claiming that they are not endorsing the BJP. The choice was made a day after the party’s legislators pushed Uddhav Thackeray to endorse Murmu.
While addressing to national media reports, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said, “The Shiv Sena acts in a way that it views as moral. We have already offered our support to UPA nominees Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee as well as Congress nominee T N Seshan. The Sena has a history of doing more than just politics. We believe in supporting individuals in the national interest.”
When asked specifically whether the Shiv Sena was preparing to extend support to NDA nominee Draupadi Murmu, Raut said a decision in this regard will be announced soon by party chief Uddhav Thackeray. “Today or tomorrow, you can expect the decision,” he said.
“Droupadi Murmu is the first tribal woman who has a good chance of becoming India’s president. Maharashtra has a sizable tribal population. Many Shivs Sainiks are natives of tribal regions. MLAs exist as well, added Raut.
The choice to back Draupadi Murmu does not imply that we are also backing the BJP, said Raut.
Shiv Sena party president Uddhav Thackeray said, “He won’t make the choice under any duress. He will do so after the talks in the meeting [on Monday]. All of us will support whatever choice he makes, he added.
The day of the presidential elections is July 18. There is no party whip in effect, so MPs may cast their votes as they like.