In an utopian republic, perennial presidential candidate Dr Karan Singh should have moved into Rashtrapati Bhavan, as he believes in the wisdom of the philosopher king. That was not to be. But Singh, a self-claimed practitioner of the higher life, has taken a stoical view of the frenetic events that led to his final rejection as presidential contender. “I have to practice what I preach,” says Singh, “so I have no regrets. But I was in the line until the last minute.”

So convinced is Singh that he was in the race that hours before the name was finalised by the Congress-led UPA, he met Karunanidhi to back his candidacy. “It was my own initiative,” he admits candidly. So, what went wrong? “I hear it was the Left which vetoed me. The Communists are atheists and so were naturally opposed to my deep religious feelings. I always speak about Vedanta and that was bugging them. However, I am relieved it is over. It is 10 years since I have popped up in every election, and I am not going to contest ever again.”

The mood is more realistic and sober in the office of other presidential hopeful, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. His aides may be a trifle disappointed but they are matter-of-fact. As one of them says, “Our boss was never in the race as he has always said it was not an individual’s decision but the choice of the party. He believes he is a loyal soldier who follows the orders of the generals.”

... contd.