Two-Three names discussed at meeting with PM, Sonia: TN CM

New Delhi, Jun 13 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M Karunanidhi today said ''two, three names'' figured in his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi for fielding the UPA-Left candidate in the July 19 Presidential election.

Talking to reporters at the Tamil Nadu House here after an hour-long meeting with Dr Singh and Ms Gandhi at the official residence of the Prime Minister at 7 Race Course Road, Mr Karunanidhi refused to disclose the names.

He also refused to say whether the DMK, like the Left parties, had any reservations on the candidature of Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

He, however, said all the names that were discussed were of Congress candidates.

Replying to a question on the differences between the Congress and the Left over fielding Mr Patil, he said ''I don't think so.'' Earlier on his arrival at the airport, he said the UPA and the Left parties would field a ''strong candidate'' and the name would be announced within two days.

The ruling UPA's efforts to build a consensus on its Presidential nominee has gathered pace with the arrival of Mr Karunanidhi.

Without wasting time, Mr Karunanidhi went straight from the airport to 7 RCR and had talks on the options of the UPA and the Left.

Tomorrow, the DMK chief is slated to hold meetings with General Secretaries Prakash Karat of the CPI(M) and A B Bardhan of the CPI, besides leaders of UPA allies.

This is the second time within a fortnight the Tamil leader is in the capital in connection with the Presidential election.

Mr Karunanidhi had planned to reach here last evening, but deferred his visit by a day due to some swelling in his legs for which he was treated at a hospital in Chennai this morning.

UNI