The stage is set for India to elect its 16th president in July 2012. This could turn into a thriller. After UP elections the Congress is weakened, the opposition is baying for its blood and allies like Mamata are not toeing the line. It will have to opt for a consensus candidate. An ideal head of state should be one that has the vision to inspire the country, a statesman rising above the politics of expediency with the ability to balance the judiciary and the executive.