By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Srinagar/ Delhi: J&K National Conference has decided to support Pratibha Patil in the election for the President of India.
A joint meeting held today in Srinagar of the Central Working Committee and the Legislature Party of the J&K National Conference, chaired by its President Omar Abdullah.
The statement released said that the “party decided that in keeping with its secular credentials and traditions, the party Legislators and the Parliamentarians should vote for the UPA candidate Mrs. Pratiba Patil who is being supported by all the secular and democratic forces of the country.�
Pratibha Patil’s candidature was criticized after she made statement suggesting that Hindu women started wearing veil to protect them from Muslim invaders. Majlis Ittahadul Musalmeen, have opposed her and have decided to boycott the election.
Similary United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), coalition of eight regional parties have instructed their members not to vote for either Patil or Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. Shekhawat’s candidacy is supported by BJP.
BJP yesterday criticized UNPA’s stand of not voting in the presidential election and complained to the Election Commission to force them to vote calling UNPA’s stand “unconstitutional.�
Election Commission today decided that legislators are within their constitution right to vote or not vote in Presidential election. Also, individual members can defy their party’s directive and vote for candidate of their choice, according to the Election Commission of India.