Cong harps on 'consensus' manta, disfavours speculation

Party spokesperson Manish Tewari at the same time ducked queries on whether Congress finds itself averse to the idea of an "apolitical" President, a demand raised by various parties.

"There is no question of A political or B political or non-political President. Our choice like everybody's choice will be subscribed by the constitutional provisions required for election of a President.... Congress is always for a President that fits the bill as per the provisions dealing with the election of a President," party spokesperson Manish Tewari said.

Noting that that the term of the present President expires in July, the Congress spokesperson disfavoured speculations about the highest constitutional authority of the country.

"Let us not speculate.... Let us not second guess if a preliminary consultation process is underway. The President of India is an extremely august office. This is not an office which should be brought into the realm of unnecessary speculation," he said, adding that the process should instead be allowed to be fructified.

Tewari said that in matters related to election or appointment of constitutional heads, Congress has followed a policy that "whatever happens should have widest possible consensus. Whatever happens should have largest possible consent."

Asked whether Congress favours another term for former President Abdul Kalam, he said it was "extremely immature to start speculation about names. We should keep in mind the dignity of the highest constitutional office of the country".

Tewari also dismissed BJP's criticism on Congress' relations with its allies saying "we have always behaved with dignity with our allies" and reminded BJP of the desertions of constituents from NDA. PTI AMR ARU