No consensus on Presidential candidate, consultations on, says Janardan Dwivedi

New Delhi, June 9 (ANI): Senior Congressman and party spokesperson Janardan Dwivedi said here on Saturday that a consensus over the Presidential candidate hasn't been achieved yet, however, discussions to that effect were in progress with various allies.

"At the moment, all I can say is discussion with our allies and supporting allies is on, and no name has been finalized so far," Dwivedi said.

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had reiterated that the party high command would take a final call on the presidential candidate.

"About the representation, the party will decide. The party will take the final decision. When the nomination is filed, it will be known to everyone," he told media in Kolkata.

Mukherjee had earlier on Monday said Congress President Sonia Gandhi would select the candidate for the post of President of India.

A fresh round of consultations on the issue of selection of a presidential nominee has begun in the UPA, after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) authorised Sonia Gandhi to decide on the candidates for the coming presidential and vice presidential elections.

According to reports, the resolution, authorising her, was moved by Pranab Mukherjee.

The dilemma over the nomination of president continues with political parties remaining divided over a suitable candidate's name.

There have been reports that the Congress is reaching out to allies to arrive at a consensus on Vice President Hamid Ansari or Pranab Mukherjee for the coveted post.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil's term ends on July 25 this year. (ANI)