Congress cautious in its reaction to Sena support to Pratibha

New Delhi, June 26 (UNI) The Congress today sought to react cautiously to the decision of the Shiv Sena to support the UPA-Left Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil, saying they would not say no' to support from any quarters.

''If Mr A B Vajpayee or Mr L K Advani decide to support Ms Patil, do you think we will say no,'' AICC Spokesman Abishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons.

In this context, he said Congress President Sonia Gandhi showed the grace by personally telephoning Mr Vajpayee and Mr Advani seeking their support for Ms Patil because the post was a national post and that it should not be politicised and compartmentalised.

Mr Singhvi said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh telephoned Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and sought support for Ms Patil.

''Mr Thackeray has announced support for Ms Patil. But those who are here to denigrate the office of Presidency will not understand the grace,'' he said.

UNI