Yashwant Sinha declared as presidential candidate by 17 opposition parties

17 major opposition parties have reached a consensus pitching former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha as their joint candidate for the upcoming presidential elections.

Seventeen major opposition parties have reached a consensus on June 21. Hence, pitching the former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha as their joint candidate for the upcoming presidential elections.

In the forthcoming Presidential elections, we have decided to elect a common candidate and stop the Modi government from doing further damage. At a subsequent meeting held today we have chosen Yashwant Sinha as a common candidate. We appeal to all political parties to vote for Yashwant Sinha,” said Jairam Ramesh, Congress’s communication chief, reading from a joint statement by the opposition.

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The joint statement also appealed to the BJP and its allies to support the candidature of Mr Sinha so that the nation can have a “worthy Rashtrapati elected unopposed”.

Yashwant Sinha declared as presidential candidate

Earlier in the day, Yashwant Sinha. Who is currently a Trinamool Congress Leader hinted at this development by tweeting. “I am grateful to Mamataji for the honor and prestige she bestowed on me in the TMC. Now a time has come when for a larger national. Cause I must step aside from the party to work for greater opposition unity. I am sure she approves of the step,”

This development comes after NCP chief Sharad Pawar, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah. And former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi all refused to stand for the position of the opposition’s candidate.

The BJP will also hold its parliamentary board meeting today. Moreover, where it’s likely to finalize it’s choice for the presidential polls.

The process to elect a new president began on June 15. The last date for filing of nominations is June 29. The polls, if necessary, will be held on July 18.