Rumours, says Sushma on her name figuring in Presidential race

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, considered a possible contender in the Presidential race, on Saturday sought to suggest that she was not in it as BJP President Amit Shah said “all names” would be considered, a day before he meets Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who has pitched for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat or agro-scientist M S Swaminathan for the top post.

Swaraj, who spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a function of her ministry, described as “rumours” media reports suggesting that she is one of the candidates under consideration by the party. “These are rumours. I am the External Affairs Minister and you are asking me something which is an internal matter.” she said.

Shah, who held a press meet in Mumbai on three years of the Narendra Modi government, said, “We are discussing and considering various names among ourselves and all the NDA constituents. The BJP believes in consensus and consultations with all parties.”

On the names suggested by ally Shiv Sena, he said all names would be considered and discussed before any final decision is taken.

Shah is slated to meet Thackeray on Sunday morning in Mumbai and discuss issues including the candidate for the President’s election.

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties may be meeting early next week to decide its strategy.