SP open for talks to build consensus on Presidential candidate

SP General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav also hit at out at the Congress, accusing it of not dealing with Mulayam Singh's party in an appropriate manner while holding consultations on Presidential poll.

In reply to a poser on NDA willing to support the name of Kalam, Yadav said "we never thought that NDA will support it. If NDA comes out and if NDA gives support, consensus is there. Last time too, the name of (Kalam) was suggested by Mulayam Singh Yadav. Congress supported it. BJP supported it. Only the Left opposed and he got elected."

Earlier today, senior SP leader Mohan Singh had said that the SP could not go with the NDA on Presidential election.

To a poser on why the SP was not supporting the candidature of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, he said "all five are good candidates for President."

On the issue of evolving a consensus, he said it could only be evolved through a dialogue.

"It (consensus) will emerge once talks take place. If it is not evolved, then a new way will come out. It is not possible that the nomination will be filed after the last date. It has top be filed before the due date," he said.

Yadav said Congress called "two-MP" parties for consultations on the issue but "did not treat the SP the way it should have".

"Responsibility for maintaining relations lies with the major partner. If there is something wrong, Congress should be held responsible," he said.