CHENNAI, June 27: The irrepressible T N Seshan is now using another approach to woo the members of the electoral college to his side. The former chief election commissioner (CEC) is now asking them to use their ``conscience'' while casting their votes in next month's Presidential elections.

``If you have a conscience, use it, do not wait for an Indira Gandhi to tell you to do so,'' he said in an informal chat with newsmen after declaring open a new building at the Madras Christian College at suburban Tambaram.

When a correspondent asked him about his chances of winning the elections, Seshan, who probably knows that his chances are quite dim, bravely mouthed the oft-repeated cliche ``it is competing which matters and not winning''.

But the quotable quotes for which the man is so famous weren't far behind: ``If I win I will move to Rashtrapati Bhavan and if I lose I will reach swargam''.

``Not interested at all,'' was his answer when he was asked whether he would accept if he was offered the post of Vice-President. The reason: ``I do not think I am senior enough for the post of Vice-President,'' he said in all humility.

Seshan said several parties had offered to extend him their support in the presidential election. ``I will not disclose the names of these parties''.

He said he had also sought the support of the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) leader, G K Moopanar and had also spoken to DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi on the phone.``I had written 4848 letters - to all MPs, MLAs and MLCs - seeking their support,'' he said.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.