Forward Bloc asks NDA not to put up candidate against Patil

NEW DELHI: Forward Bloc, an ally of the UPAon Friday asked the NDA not to turn the Presidential election into a "political battleground" by putting up a candidate against UPA nominee Pratibha Patil.Observing that a unanimous election for Patil as the first woman President would send a strong message to the entire world that India was serious on empowering women, the Left party urged the NDA not to put up a candidate against her by giving up its "narrow political interest for the sake of national interest".In a statement, the Bloc said since the BJP was also supporting women's reservation and empowerment of women, it should not turn the Presidential poll into a political battleground under these circumstances. "It is an opportunity (for them) to show their credibility".The party said Patil was an experienced social worker who is highly educated and a non-controversial personality and there is a great deal of enthusiasm in getting a woman as the next President.