I'll be glad to be President: Karan Singh

Former Union Minister Karan Singh has said that he would be glad to accept the honour of being the President of India should a consensus is arrived on his name.

Various television channels and newspapers had carried the story late Wednesday night that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has floated three names, which includes Karan Singh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for consideration by the allies of the Congress.

However, Dr Singh made it clear that he had no idea who floated the three names and under whose directive.

"I do not even know whether these are names under consideration or are we supposed to talk to other parties," he said.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechuri wondered why these names have been put into circulation.

"At least no one spoke to us about them," said the perplexed Politburo member in an informal chat with this correspondent.

Former Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson Najma Heptullah said the name of the President should be formalised by holding consultations with all the political parties.

"Shekhawat is a good person and an able administrator but where is the number," she asked.

Noted Advocate Ram Jethamalani said, "The person who becomes the next President should be well versed with international law, conventions, Constitution and above he or she should be the choice of the people and no whip should be issued in this regard," he said.