NDA to back Shekhawat

The National Democratic Alliance on Monday formally announced its decision to support Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as an independent candidate for the forthcoming presidential elections. The decision was taken after the meeting of all the NDA allies at the residence of former Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Atal Behari Vajpayee in New Delhi. Meanwhile, the Third Front said it would support Kalam for a second term as President.