Nitish Kumar as Opposition’s President candidate? Here’s what Bihar CM, NCP’s Nawab Malik has to say

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar dismissed speculation of him being named as the Opposition’s candidate for the presidential polls due later this year.

Amid speculation of Nitish Kumar being named as the Opposition’s candidate for the post of the country's next President, the Bihar Chief Minister on Tuesday dismissed the reports and claimed he has no idea about it.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who was in Bhagalpur, said that he had no idea about the speculation doing the rounds.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said that any decision will be taken collectively by leaders of various parties, adding that Nitish Kumar's name could be considered only if his party JD(U) snaps ties with the BJP.

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Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Nawab Malik said there are "news reports of Nitish Kumar being the (opposition's) candidate for the presidential polls" due later this year.

"There cannot be a discussion on this until he (Nitish Kumar) breaks ties with the BJP. First, he should snap ties with the BJP and only then a thought can be given (to his candidature). Leaders of all (opposition) parties will then sit together and think about it,” Nawab Malik said.

(With inputs from PTI)