Presidential elections 2012

Presidential elections 2012

The presidential elections, which took place this year created sensation across the country. For the first time there was reportedly heavy lobbying for presidential candidate. While UPA fielded Pranab Mukherjee as the presidential candidate, the same was apparently opposed by many parties including BJP. In fact, UPA ally Trinamool Congress too didn't welcome the decision of UPA on presidential candidate. Its supremo straight away said TMC wouldn't support Pranab Mukherjee.

Trinamool Congress has even initially issued fatwa to its leaders asking them not to vote for Pranab Mukherjee. Further, its supremo Mamata Banerjee has supported Abdul Kalam as the presidential candidate. She even started a Facebook official page and asked people to support her cause despite knowing that public opinion had no role to play in the presidential elections in a democratic country. She even came under heavy criticism over the same.

All the efforts of TMC went in vain after Abdul Kalam cleared the doubts in air and stressed he was not in presidential race. Having no other option, TMC at last support Pranab Mukherjee. On the other hand BJP strongly backed PA Sangma for the president post. The polls to elect the 13th President of India took place on July 19 while the last date for filing nominations was June 30. The counting of votes took place on July 22 and Pranab Mukherjee was declared victorious in presidential polls.