CPI(M) not averse to having political person as VP: Yechury

New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) The CPI(M) today clarified that it was not averse to having a politician as the next Vice President of the country and said the discussions with the UPA was going on in this regard.

Talking to reporters after casting his vote in the Presidential polls today, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said his party was not in favour of depoliticising the office of the President or Vice President.

He said the Vice President being the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha should not be a totally apolitical person.

''It will not be a good political move and neither good for the country,'' he said.

Mr Yechury said the question to be decided before finalising the candidate for the Vice President was whether the person was just a member of a political party or its leader.

Asked whether any name was discussed during his meeting with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi this morning, Mr Yechury refused to divulge the details. The Left leaders are again to meet the Congress leadership in the evening.

In response to whether Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee's name was being deliberated in this context, Mr Yechury just smiled.

The Speaker when queried about the same issue, put his fingers in his ears and said, ''I can't hear. You want to drive me away.'' The elections to the post of vice president would be held on August 10 and discussions among various political parties on finalising the candidate has started.

UNI