Congress, BJP still undecided on presidential candidate

New Delhi, June 11 (ANI): As the suspense over the presidential candidate intensifies, the ruling Congress Party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday made it absolutely clear that they would come up with a suitable name following due consultations and at an appropriate time.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said the consultation process over the name of the presidential candidate is on.

"See, you have put up this question for almost 25 times in the last one month. The talks are on. When the consultation process will be over and we will come to a logical conclusion, then we will let you know," said Tiwari.

The BJP, however, said it would comment on the issue only after the ruling Congress Party announces its presidential candidate.

"The BJP's stated position is that let the name of the candidates should come from the Congress Party. Thereafter, the BJP will come up with its views and talk," said BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman.

A fresh round of consultations on the issue of selection of a presidential nominee has begun in the UPA, after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) authorised Sonia Gandhi to decide on the candidates for the coming presidential and vice presidential elections.

According to reports, the resolution, authorising her, was moved by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is believed by many to be the front-runner among those vying to be the next President of the country.

The dilemma over the nomination of president continues with political parties remaining divided over a suitable candidate's name.

Moreover, Mamata Banerjee has so far kept the Congress guessing about whether she will support the party in its choice of candidate for the Presidential election

There have been reports that the Congress is reaching out to allies to arrive at a consensus on Vice President Hamid Ansari or Pranab Mukherjee for the coveted post.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil's term ends on July 25 this year. (ANI)