India will hold elections next month to choose a new president if the ruling coalition and the opposition do not agree on a consensus candidate, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.
The five-year term of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a former missile scientist who became popular as the "people's president" for his easy accessibility and friendly demeanour, expires on July 24.
Elections, if necessary, would be held on July 19, the Election Commission said. The president of India is the titular head of state, like the British monarch. Executive power is exercised in the name of the president by the council of ministers headed by the prime minister. Federal Home Minister Shivraj Patil is tipped to be the candidate of the ruling Congress party.