Chennai: Anna Dravida’s rival Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, led by former PM O Panneerselvam, announced Thursday her support for NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, expressing confidence that she will act as a “Good administrator”.
Panneerselvam said BJP national president Amit Shah had sought support for Kovind and that the issue was discussed with senior faction officials on Thursday, in addition to deputies and deputies who owe him allegiance.
“Based on that and at the request of BJP President Amit Shah, it has been unanimously decided to support Kovind,” he told reporters.
An “opportunity” has been provided for a member of the Dalit community to be elected to the post of President, and “for providing that opportunity (to Kovind), we have decided to support it,” added Panneerselvam.
When asked whether the faction, which has 12 deputies and an equal number of deputies, supported Kovind since leaving the Dalit community, Panneerselvam said that the presidential candidate has been a former deputy twice, in addition to being governor of Bihar, therefore, “experienced.”
“We are confident that he will serve as a good administrator,” he said when asked about the Kovind RSS fund and reports that the opposition Congress may also present a Dalit candidate against the NDA selection.
The announcement of the Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction comes a day after AIADMK’s Amma camp announced its support for Kovind in the race to Raisina Hill.
Prime Minister E Palanisamy announced on Wednesday the faction’s support for Kovind, who has since resigned as governor of Bihar.
