A day after it failed to firm a decision on putting up a candidate against UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee, NDA on Monday sought to project a united face, saying whatever decision is taken will be a collective one.
Setting the tone for it, Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal patron Parkash Singh Badal said in Chandigarh that as a constituent of NDA, his party will back the decision taken by the alliance on issue of Presidential election.
"We are a part of NDA and whatever decision they take, we will go with them. ...As a key ally of NDA, SAD is committed to support the line of action NDA takes...I have made my stand clear, which is we will follow whatever NDA thinks is best," he said in reply to a volley of question on the issue.
In Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a senior leader of key NDA ally JD-U, said also spoke in a similar vein, disfavouring any one ally's 'one upamanship' of announcing its view separately when discussions are going on under the joint forum of NDA.
"We are in favour of a consensus (on the President poll) but how will there be a consenus on the issue unless NDA itself comes up with a consensus," Kumar said.
"JD-U is also an ally of NDA.... Is JD-U's stand any different," he replied with a smile when repeatedly asked about his party's stand on putting up a candidate against Mukherjee in case NDA decides for a contest.
Shiv Sena, which has not yet opened its cards on the issue, is in active consultation with other NDA allies to firm up a position on the issue.
Party sources said its leader Sanjay Raut has held discussion with NDA convenor Sharad Yadav in this regard.
Sources in JD-U said that the party felt that fielding a candidate by NDA will be inviting only humiliation for the Opposition alliance as it does not have the numbers to push through its nominee.
Leaders in the party, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the issue of Presidential election needs to be treated differently from Parliamentary and Assembly elections and a consensus among political for the country's top post would be dignified.
There is also a view within NDA that a consenus on President in some way also ensures that the person holding the top Constitutional job is 'naturally inclined' towards maintaining neutrality of his office.
"We neither have the numbers to ensure NDA nominee's win, nor is there any formidable candidate in sight. Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam does not appear inclined to contest.
"As far as P.A. Sangma is concerned, Trinamool Congress is not open to supporting his candidature. Even Shiv Sena does not appear quite in favour of Sangma. In such an eventuality, fielding a candidate is simply irrational," said a senior leader of an NDA ally.
A meeting of NDA had called on Sunday failed to firm up a position on the Presidential poll issue as it was divided over opposing Mukherjee and there was lack of clarity on extending support to former Lok Sabha Speaker Sangma.