By IANS
New Delhi : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Friday said media reports mentioning him as a likely contender for the post of president were "speculative" and that it was up to the Congress leadership to decide his role in the party and the government.
"These are speculative in nature," Mukherjee said in a statement referring to reports in the media that describe him as a top contender for the presidential post in the elections scheduled for July.
"I would like to state that I am a Congress man. My role in the party and the government is decided by the Congress leadership.
"Whatever responsibilities are assigned to me, I try to discharge those to the best of my capabilities," Mukherjee said.
Some media reports have said that the Left parties were ready to back Mukherjee's for the post of president if the Congress and the ruling United Progressive Alliance decided on him as a candidate.