Opposition announces Yashwant Sinha as the joint candidate for presidential polls

On Tuesday, June 21, the Opposition parties have jointly announced Yashwant Sinha as the candidate for the presidential polls. With this, the speculations regarding the Opposition’s presidential face have been cleared.

Yashwant Sinha has been chosen as the common candidate. “In the forthcoming Presidential elections, we have decided to elect a common candidate and stop the Modi government from doing further damage. At a subsequent meeting held today, we have chosen Yashwant Sinha as a common candidate. We appeal to all political parties to vote for Yashwant Sinha,” said Congress’ Jairam Ramesh at a press conference.

Earlier today, Yashwant Sinha resigned from Trinamool Congress (TMC) stating that it is time to work for greater opposition unity. “I am grateful to Mamataji for the honour and prestige she bestowed on me in the TMC. Now a time has come when for a larger national cause, I must step aside from the party to work for greater opposition unity. I am sure she approves of the step,” Mr. Sinha tweeted.

I am grateful to Mamataji for the honour and prestige she bestowed on me in the TMC. Now a time has come when for a larger national cause I must step aside from the party to work for greater opposition unity. I am sure she approves of the step.

— Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) June 21, 2022

Yashwant Sinha has served as the Finance Minister of the country under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government. He has also handled the Ministry of External Affairs. The process of selecting the new president started on June 15. The last date to file the nomination is June 29. If required, the polls will take place on July 18.