The Presidential elections is about saving India's secular democratic character and in the 75th year of India's Independence, it is a battle of Gandhi vs Godse, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said.
Speaking to The Hindu he said that the Opposition might not have the numbers but this is an ideological fight and crucial because it precedes the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "It is an opportunity for the Opposition to send a message to the people of this country on what we stand for. The immediate task ahead of us is to protect the Constitutional systems as we know it," Mr. Yechury said. Barring the 1977 election, every Presidential poll has seen a contest between the Opposition and the ruling party.
And this is why the Left parties, he said, is supporting the candidature of former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi. "He has a vast experience in public life and he represents an ideology that stands in contrast to the ruling party’s idea of India. But he is one of the many names that the Opposition is considering. We will have a second round of meeting on June 20 or 21, where through consultations we will come up with a consensus candidate," he added.
