No name finalised for presidential candidate

Against the backdrop of growing support for Pranab Mukherjee as the United Progressive Alliance nominee for the post of president, the Congress party today issued a statement saying no name had been finalised so far. Janardan Dwivedi, general-secretary and head of the Congress media department, issued a brief statement saying, “The process of discussions with our allies and supporting allies is on. No name has so far been finalised.” He refused to answer any question on the statement, saying he would not go beyond what he has stated on record.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said no one could become president “on his own wish”. “It is decided by the party. The party nominates. No one can become president on his own wish,” he told reporters at his residence here.