We prefer a consensus presidential candidate: Cong

New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday said it would prefer a consensus presidential candidate and it would be good if the government understood this.

“The Congress party has tried to bring about a consensus on every important issue. But the picture is not yet clear on the issue of the presidential election,” said Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma.

He said it would be better if the government also understood the need for unanimity on the issue. “It will be good if there is consensus. But I cannot say anything as of now,” he said.

Asked whether there was any possibility of reaching an agreement on Pranab Mukherjee’s successor, the Congress leader said, “I cannot say what the government is thinking, but I do understand their mentality, which is against the country. It will be difficult for me to say anything on what the government is thinking.”

The BJP panel, set up by party chief Amit Shah has reached out to some opposition leaders, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The committee members will meet Gandhi on Friday while trying to arrive at an agreement.

The term of incumbent president Mukherjee ends on July 24. (PTI)