As president, Mohan Bhagwat can find solutions to Ram Mandir, Section 370, says Shiv Sena

The Shiv Sena has pitched Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat as India’s next president, saying he will act in public interest and shape a “Hindu nation”.

It added that a Hindutva president would help find solutions to issues such as the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Section 370 and a uniform civil code.

In an editorial in the party’s mouthpiece, Saamana, the Shiv Sena said successive secular governments have installed “rubber stamp” presidents in the Raj Bhavan. However, this time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get to choose the country’s leader.

Though this the second time the Shiv Sena has suggested Bhagwat as a presidential candidate, he has denied interest in the post.

“The country gets direction from Bhagwat anyway, but his guidance as president will be important. His election will be a victory of all the ideas the RSS and our party have espoused,” read the editorial.

During the last two presidential elections, the party had voted for Congress nominees over those of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). They first voted for Pratibha Patil and then Pranab Mukherjee.

Voting for the presidential post will be held on July 17. The results will be announced three days later. The current president’s term ends on July 24.