The NDA today failed to firm up a position on the Presidential poll as it was divided over opposing the UPA nominee, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, and there was lack of clarity on extending support to Mr P.A. Sangma.

With an intention of using the Presidential poll to rope in parties like AIADMK and BJD and possibly Trinamool Congress, the main opposition BJP-led alliance decided at a meeting here that talks would be held with these parties to have a common candidate against Mr Mukherjee.

At a two-hour meeting of the NDA which was skipped by Shiv Sena, the JD-U leader, Mr Shivanand Tiwari, is believed not to be in favour of a contest against Mr Mukherjee because of his stature, reflecting a divide in the coalition.

BJP leaders Mr L.K. Advani and Ms Sushma Swaraj were said to be of the opinion that there should be a contest but there was no consensus as to whether to support Mr Sangma, who has been propped up by AIADMK and BJD, or Mr Kalam, who is being pushed into the race by the Trinamool Congress.

There was a strong view that supporting Mr Sangma would help the NDA win back AIADMK and BJD. However, to fine-tune this, talks should be held with leaders of these parties before any decision is reached, sources said.

The NDA coalition was also not clear whether the Trinamool Congress leader, Ms Mamata Banerjee, would agree to shunning Mr Kalam and supporting Mr Sangma.

After the meeting at Mr Advani's residence, the NDA convener, Mr Sharad Yadav, told reporters, “Various leaders put forth their views in detail. More discussions are required in this regard to arrive at the right decision.

“Mr Advani will talk to Chief Ministers of the NDA-ruled States and all others. The NDA will meet sometime later again to take a decision in this regard. Those outside (Delhi) will also be consulted.”

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