'PM discussed Presidential polls; no names taken'

New Delhi, May 10: The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) today confirmed that Dr Manmohan Singh had begun consulting political leaders on the Presidential election, but rejected as ''speculative and premature'' reports mentioning specific names.

''There have been reports in the media regarding election to the Office of the President. Various political parties are consulting each other in this regard.

''The Prime Minister has had some preliminary and exploratory discussions on this matter with some political leaders. News reports mentioning specific names are speculative and premature,'' the PMO said in a press note.

According to reports, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury and CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan had held separate discussions with the Prime Minister on the Presidential poll.

Dr Singh is also reported to have talked to leaders of some UPA allies.

The five-year tenure of President A P J Abdul Kalam, who is the eleventh President of India, expires on July 25.

Mr Bardhan is reported to have suggested that the honour of the first citizen this time should go to a woman politician of stature and immaculate secular credentials.

However, there are no women among the names doing the rounds at present. They include External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, veteran Congress leader Karan Singh and Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde.

The search for the 12th President is expected to gain steam after the UP assembly results tomorrow.

UNI