TNI Bureau: After being snubbed by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who refused to enter the Presidential race and allies JD(U) and Shiv Sena, who refused to be part of a losing battle, the BJP plunged into a deep crisis, after party MP from Aonla, Maneka Gandhi met Pranab and praised him.

Maneka deviated from the party line and met Pranab Mukherjee today. She not only praised him, but also demanded a consensus to be built over his candidature, giving a big embarrassment to the party.

This is not the first time Maneka Gandhi came out in support of Pranab. She backed the Finance Minister last week too in Badaun. “He is a seasoned politician … I know him for the past 30 years. We need such a president, who will work,” Maneka had said.