Sonia, Mayawati discuss vice presidential candidates

New Delhi, July 20 (UNI) UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today put forward some names to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP supremo Mayawati for consideration as candidates for the coming Vice Presidential elections.

Ms Gandhi had a telephonic conversation with Ms Mayawati, who was in the capital today for a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

''The UPA chairperson called me on phone this morning and suggested some names and also sent their biodatas'' the UP Chief Minister told a news conference.

When asked about the BSP thinking over issue and whether she would support a UPA candidate, Ms Mayawati said she will go back to Lucknow and consult her party, adding that no final decision on the issue could be taken so soon.

On whether she would like to field a candidate from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribe for the post of Vice President, the BSP chief replied,'' We do not believe in the politics of caste and religion. But it is true that we are for the welfare and progress of the weaker sections who have been left behind in the race of development.'' The BSP supremo was also non-committal when asked whether her party was thinking of fielding any candidate from the minority community.

Asked whether National Minorities Commission chairperson Hamid Ansari, whose name has been proposed by the Left, figured in her conversation with Ms Gandhi, Ms Mayawati said she would not say anything on names for now.

Ms Mayawati's party was supporting the UPA in the presidential elections, polling for which was held yesterday.

UNI