BJP to consider if Trinamool approaches it on common support

The BJP would consider supporting a consensus candidates for the Vice Presidential polls if UPA ally Trinamool Congress approached the NDA for support, said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal.

The BJP leader, who was in the city, said here last evening that "the NDA will take a final call on their stand regarding the Vice-Presidential poll. If Mamataji approaches us (BJP) then we will consider it as she has been part of the NDA earlier". Dhumal at a roadshow of Himachal Pradesh tourism in the city said that Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee was once part of the NDA and hinted there was scope for common support.

Incumbent Hamid Ansari has been proposed by the ruling UPA as its candidate for the Vice Presidential poll but Trinamool Congress is not keen on supporting him.

Home Minister P Chidambaram at the UPA meeting in Delhi yesterday described Ansari's choice as "unanimous" though Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy said the party had suggested names of former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and former MP Krishna Bose.