Open minded on suggestions for presidential candidate: Congress

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) The Congress Monday said it was "open minded" about suggestions on choice of the next president and that it would consult its United Progressive Alliance partners on the issue.

Responding to ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar's reported support for an apolitical candidate, Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury said it was the party's duty to listen to views of its allies. She said the party's core committee will discuss the matter.

"These are the suggestions given by our respected allies. We are open-minded. These will be placed before the concerned committee at the appropriate fora for discussion," Chowdhury said.

Answering queries, Chowdhury said any person occupying the post of president acts impartially.

"I do not see insecurity or fear or where they belong and we have in the history of India only one president who has not been aligned with political party. I don't consider it a qualification or a disqualification," Chowdhury said.