Top 10 events of 2007

The Presidential race this year acquired all the aspects that it should not have — religion, caste, regional and gender issues. From the day Former Rajasthan Governor, Pratibha Patil came out as a surprise UPA frontrunner till almost the day when she emerged victorious as the first Woman President of India; she suffered severe bruises from all possible angles! The Prez poll which was virtually a battle of Shekawats, saw interesting twists and turns. As NDA backed Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the then Vice President, the third front refused to agree. They in turn pulled in APJ Abdul Kalam, the then President into the race. As Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi and BSP Supremo Mayawati supported Pratibha, AIADMK Chief J Jayalalithaa refused to support the Congress nominee. She in fact called Pratibha as Sonia’s remote control. As even Shekawat backed him, Kalam was initially reluctant to enter the fray. Later UNPA, after a meet with Kalam, indicated his interest in joining the race. As petty politics occupied the forefront in the initial stages, an Anti-Pratibha campaign was launched. Full coverage of the raceMuslims initially criticised her over the veil. Later, a woman accused her brother of a murder. Unfazed by criticisms, Pratibha claimed that she had a divine premonition. She also tried her best to prove that the allegations against her were baseless and became the Rashtrapatni of Raisana Hill.

Text: Janani Krishnaswamy