By IANS
New Delhi : Suspense continued over the presidential candidate of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) as DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi suggested two to three names to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during their meeting late Wednesday night, ahead of his meeting with Left leaders Thursday.
"Two to three names figured at the meeting with the prime minister," Karunanidhi told reporters after the meeting at the prime minister's residence.
What is causing concern to the DMK is that Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, whose name is being considered by the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is a tough candidate and the UPA should field an equally strong person. The DMK was thus indicating that it was not totally favourable towards Congress frontrunner Home Minister Shivraj Patil.
However, the name of the UPA candidate for the top post is expected to be clear after the meeting between Karunanidhi and the Left parties slated for Thursday.
While the Left parties have not been favourable to Patil as the UPA candidate, Karunanidhi said: "I will play the role of mediator", since he has good rapport with the Left leaders.
These meetings gain importance in view of the Election Commission Wednesday announcing that the presidential election will be held July 19.