In an attempt to evolve a strong consensus for the Presidential election slated for July, the UPA government's trouble shooter and Defence Minister A.K. Antony has met DMK president M. Karunanidhi at his CIT Colony residence on Sunday morning.
Coming out of the meeting, Antony said he would report to Congress president Sonia Gandhi on the DMK chief's views on the Presidential election.
During the meeting, DMK leader T.R. Baalu, Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, her mother Rajathiammal and DMK spokesperson and MP T.K.S Elangovan were present.
Interestingly, the arrival of Antony for talks with DMK chief has led to speculation that even Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee may be considered for the post of President.
It may be noted that only Pranab Mukherjee used to hold frequent talks with UPA goverment's trusted ally DMK in South.
According to sources, Defence Minister is said to have mentioned the name of one of Centre's choices - Vice-President Hamid Ansari for the top post -- during his meeting with DMK patriach. And the DMK seems to have not given any objections for the candidacy of Ansari as the Dravidian party used to take a pro-minority view.
Earlier, Congress held talks with NCP president Sharad Pawar over the choice of candiates for the Presidential polls. The DMK has 18 Lok Sabha MPs, 7 Rajya Sabha MPs and 23 MLAs.
Moreover, reports indicate AIADMK has been approached by other parties to back the candidature of former President Abdul Kalam who is yet to convey his opinion on the subject.
At the Centre, the ruling Congress has to do a balancing act with regional parties like Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in the course of evolving a consenus for the next President.
While Trinamool Congress says it would wait till the poll dates are announced. The West Bengal ruling party's support is crucial if the UPA candidate has to be elected as the President.
The President is elected by members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and all state legislatures or Vidhan Sabhas by a system of proportional representation through single transferable vote.
The ballot paper lists all candidates standing for election and the voters list them in order of preference.