Blaming the Congress and Left for playing “partisan politics” over the presidential polls, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj made it clear that “in the absence of a consensus, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will contest with the support of the NDA. We do not support the idea of Kalam contesting the polls for a second term.”

The NDA announcement came a day after a grouping of eight regional parties, calling themselves the UNPA, said they would “persuade” Kalam to run for a second term. The UNPA leaders are scheduled to meet Kalam tomorrow to request him to be their candidate though it’s unlikely he will agree.

Swaraj said Shekhawat’s offer to withdraw in case of a consensus on Kalam was “showed his greatness and statesmanship.”

“He (Shekhawat) has paved the way for building a consensus on Kalam. The ball is now in the Congress’s court,” she said.

“If the Congress responds to the situation, there could be a consensus on Kalam. The NDA is clear about its stand. It’s Kalam if there is a consensus and Shekhawat if there is a contest,” she said.

Swaraj said Shekhawat had spoken to Atal Behari Vajpayee, L K Advani and other top leaders of the Opposition alliance before issuing a statement in favour of Kalam.

“Now, we are asking for a response from the Congress,” she said. She cited TV surveys showing Kalam as the most preferred choice for the highest office.

BJP leaders claim they are in a position to give a tough contest to UPA nominee Pratibha Patil with the help of substantial cross-voting. Swaraj said the concept of cross voting or defection does not arise at all in presidential polls since no whips are issued.

“Everyone can approach everyone and everyone can vote according to conscience. One must remember that Shekhawat got 79 extra votes when he contested for Vice-President five years ago,” Swaraj said.

BJP leaders are confident that whatever position the UNPA takes will only help them. If the UNPA has a separate candidate or chooses to come around in support of Shekhawat, the effect will be the same, BJP leaders maintained.

In the event of a UNPA candidate, they can cast their second preference votes for Shekhawat.

Sena chief says no Kalam

• NDA allies Shiv Sena and Trinamool have not taken the alliance position on the polls. While Mamata Banerjee has backed Kalam as “first choice”, Bal Thackeray has ruled him out altogether. “We will not support Kalam. He has lost place in my heart,” Thackeray said. His remark that “all this while we have been addressing the President as Rashtrapati, perhaps now we have to change it to Rashtrapatni” gave rise to speculation that the Sena may back Patil, a Maharashtrian

• Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meets President Kalam