Prez poll: Cong seeks to project picture of unity in UPA

New Delhi, June 12: As the schedule for the Presidential election was announced, Congress projected a picture of unity in UPA despite

and

not revealing their mind on the issue of support.

"Whenever there has been a political challenge during the last eight years, UPA has shown that it is not only united but cohesive too", party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters. Tewari's remarks are significant as they come ahead of the Trinamool Congress chief's meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday.

He was replying to questions whether Congress was confident of carrying the UPA flock together in the Presidential polls next month in view of Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party keeping up the suspense. Congress needs both Mamata and Mulayam to be on board for ensuring the victory of its candidate in the Presidential elections in which Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is being speculated as the UPA candidate.

Noting that party Chief Sonia Gandhi has been authorised by the Congress Working Committee to decide the next Presidential candidate, Tewari said the process of consultations was on and when a decision is arrived at it will be formally announced. He steered clear of questions whether Congress could consider giving the post of the Vice President to any of its allies or supporting parties.

Tewari also sought to ignore the speculation that BJP leader Jaswant Singh is throwing his hat in the ring for Vice President's post.

PTI