Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Even as the Congress central leadership has begun efforts to reach a consensus among its allies over a presidential candidate, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday urged reporters not to speculate on his name for the country's top job.
When chased by reporters outside Parliament, the Finance Minister said, “Don’t indulge in speculation.”
On his part, Defence Minister AK Antony told reporters that a final decision in this regard will be taken by party president Sonia Gandhi soon.
With only two months remaining for the installation of the new President, all top political parties have begun consultations hoping to evolve a consensus on a common name.
Former president APJ Abdul Kalam, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav are among the top candidates to be made the next head of the state.
Even as Delhi is swirling with the names of presidential probables, the Congress party is holding its cards close to its chest.
In the end, it could even be a name currently not in circulation.
First Published: Monday, April 30, 2012, 14:17