Sonia seeks ‘conscience’ vote; JD-U skips meeting

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 16

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi today called elections to the posts of President and Vice President a clash of ideas and appealed to MPs to heed their conscience and vote for Meira Kumar and Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Opposition-backed nominees for the two positions.

Sonia was addressing the MPs of 18 Opposition parties that have joined hands to field the duo against ruling party nominees. As she made a pitch for Opposition unity against “forces of division and communal vision”, Congress’ ally in the Bihar government, Nitish Kumar-led JD-U, was absent.

Attending leaders explained the absence of JD-U members, saying they had an important meeting in Patna.

Gandhi to file papers tomorrow

Gopalkrishna Gandhi will file his nomination for the poll on Tuesday. Leaders of all 18 parties baking Gandhi will be present. It remains to be seen if the JD-U will attend the process.