Jolt to NDA., Shiv Sena to support Pratibha Patil

In a new twist into the political drama surrounding the Presidential elections, key NDA ally Shiv Sena snubbed NDA and decided to support Pratibha Patil for the post of President. Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray announced his decision at a press conference today. Shiv Sena took this unprecedented decision in support of a Maharashtrian for highest office of the country.

Shiv Sena not only decided to support Pratibha Patil, but also it criticized BS Shekhawat for his earlier offer to withdraw from the President race in favor of President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Sena's decision might strain the decades-long relationship between BJP and Shiv Sena. NDA will now have to rethink its strategy vis-a-vis Shiv Sena.