Prez poll: CPM wants consensus

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday asked the BJP to declare its candidate for the Presidential poll to pave way for a consensus. Yechury exuded confidence that the Opposition will be able to field a common candidate in the ensuing poll.

Citing broad consensus in the case of A P J Abdul Kalam, Yechury said that selection of the candidate depends on whether the BJP wants a secular or communal supervision from the Raisina Hill.

Speaking to reporters after the two-day Telangana state CPM meeting here on Thursday, he said the BJP has so far not taken that initiative.

“The ruling party lacks the initiative to try and build consensus,” he said. “Yes, we have looked into the name of Gopal Krishna Gandhi. A few suggested a second term for President Pranab, but a consensus must be arrived at first,”  the CPM general secretary  said.