RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat rejects Shiv Sena's proposal, says 'not in race for President'

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday rejected BJP ally Shiv Sena's proposal that his name be considered for the next President of India.

Rejecting the Maharashtra-based party's proposal, Bhagwat said in Nagpur, ''I am not in race for President.''

"There are some rumours in the media about me wanting to become president. That is never going to happen. I am here to work for RSS. I had already closed all doors myself before joining RSS. The rumours spread by the media will always remain rumours. Even if my name crops up, hypothetically, I will never accept it," Bhagwat told reporters.

In a surprise move, BJP ally Shiv Sena had on Monday proposed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's name for the post of President, triggering a debate on who should be considered for the country's highest constitutional job.

Shiv Sena, which is known for its pro-Hindutva stand, had urged Narendra Modi-led government to consider Bhagwat's name for President's job.

Shiv Sena MP and the Executive Editor of party's mouthpiece 'Saamana' Sanjay Raut had said that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance should think of the RSS Sarsanghchalak if it wanted to fulfil its dream of achieving a "Hindu Rashtra".

Stressing on Bhagwat's name, Raut said, ''It is the highest post in the country. Somebody with a clean image should occupy it. We have heard Mohan Bhagwat's name is being discussed for President. He is good choice for the post.''

Bhagwat's elevation as President will help BJP-led NDA realise its dream of making India a 'Hindu Rashtra', he added.

However, Raut cautioned that the decision (to support his candidature) will be taken by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. 

"This has been discussed in our party. Even Sena President Uddhav Thackeray is of the opinion that for making India a `Hindu Rashtra`, Bhagwat should be made the President," Raut told mediapersons.

He said a staunch Hindu nationalist like Modi is the Prime Minister and another Hindutva proponent, Yogi Adityanath, had become Chief Minister of India`s most populous state Uttar Pradesh.

"He (Bhagwat) is a strong leader, staunch nationalist, has a deep knowledge of the Constitution. So if the BJP wants to make India a `Hindu Rashtra`, his name must be considered. He is the most suitable candidate," Raut said.

Born in Chandrapur in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Bhagwat, 66, has headed the RSS since March 2009.

The presidential election is due in July. The Presidential elections will be held in July when President Pranab Mukherjee will complete his term.

According to reports, names of Sushma Swaraj, Sumitra Mahajan and LK Advani are also being considered by the BJP for the President's job.