New Delhi: The UPA on Tuesday suggested that Bhairon Singh Shekhawat quit as Vice-President to take on Pratibha Patil in the Presidential poll as it debunked the NDA's plans to seek a conscience vote.
In a show of unity, Congress as also several constituents of the UPA addressed a joint press conference and hit out at the Opposition for resorting to "smear campaign based on frivolous and unfounded allegations" against Patil put up by the alliance.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who addressed the conference along with leaders like Lalu Prasad and T R Baalu, condemned the "nature and tenor" of the current campaign in which the decor and dignity of the past campaigns is found absent.
"There are certain issues on which individuals are to take a decision at appropriate moment. I leave it at that," Mukherjee said when asked whether UPA favours that Shekhawat quit as Vice-President to ensure a level playing field in the straight fight with Patil in the July 19 poll.
"There is always a conscience vote because the elected representative exercise their voting right as per their conscience and vote according to the desire of the party. Who says there is no conscience vote,” Mukherjee added.
Mukherjee as also Prasad and Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi singled out Leader of Opposition L K Advani for attack for remarks against Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
(With inputs from PTI)
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