Mumbai (The HIndu): Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has once again extended his support to the appointment of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat as the president of India, saying he is “the most eligible [presidential] candidate for our [the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sena’s] resolution of a Hindu rashtra.”

Speaking to reporters at his residence, Matoshri, in the city on Tuesday, Mr. Thackeray said, “Our heartfelt wish is that Mohan Bhagwat’s name should be put forth [by the BJP] for the president’s post. If RSS workers can be appointed as governors of States, there should be no problem in making Bhagwat the president.”

The Sena has put forward Mr. Bhagwat’s name for the presidential election. However, the RSS chief has said that he is not the race to the post.

When asked if the Sena will back Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar as the next president if its first choice does not materialise, Mr. Thackeray said, “We have not spoken to each other over the issue so there is nothing to say at the moment.”