Presidential Election: Congress is insisting on a joint candidate of the opposition for the upcoming presidential election. Wherever there is a government in the party, the Congress has conveyed its support to Sharad Pawar to its allies. Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had met Sharad Pawar last Thursday with a message from party chief Sonia Gandhi. Both the leaders met in Mumbai.

Congress came out in support of this leader

If Sharad Pawar enters the fray, the Congress is seen in his full support, while Mamata Banerjee has called a meeting of opposition parties on June 15. On the same day, Pawar will meet leaders of like-minded parties. However, Pawar has not yet reacted to these speculations. Pawar, a stalwart of the opposition ranks, could upset the equation of the ruling party, which is hoping to garner support from other smaller parties.

Sonia Gandhi discussed with these leaders

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has contacted NCP chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other opposition leaders regarding the upcoming presidential election. He spoke to various opposition leaders on Saturday. A Congress statement said that Congress President Sonia Gandhi has discussed the issue of the upcoming presidential election with Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee and some other opposition leaders.

Congress needs such a president

The statement said that as per his discussions with other opposition leaders, he has deputed LOP Mallikarjun Kharge to coordinate with other leaders in view of his ill health due to COVID-19. The statement said the Congress is of the opinion that the country needs a President who can protect the Constitution, democratic institutions and citizens from the on-going "attack" of the ruling BJP.

time to rise above differences

While the party has not suggested a specific name for the presidential elections, it said it would be a presidential election for the people, an attempt to correct India's "fractured social fabric". The party said in the statement that the time has come to rise above our differences for the sake of our country and its people. Talks and discussions should be open-minded and in line with this spirit. We believe that the Indian National Congress along with other parties should take this discussion forward. On the other hand, the BJP has entrusted its party chief JP Nadda and Union Minister Rajnath Singh with the responsibility of holding discussions with various political parties and helping them reach a consensus.