In other news, the Congress today sought to distance itself from the speculation over the names of possible Presidential candidates, saying the formal process to choose the next President is yet to take off. 

"The President of India is an extremely august office. This is not an office which should be brought into the realm of unnecessary speculation. While it is true that the term of the current President will be ending in July it is also a fact that formally the process to choose the next President has not kicked off," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said outside Parliament. 

President Pratibha Patil's term is going to end in July this year. 

Congress leader and Defence Minister A K Antony had yesterday met DMK chief M Karunanidhi as part of the consultation process among UPA allies on the Presidential election.

Karunanidhi today said in Chennai, "We expect a good President. Antony proposed (some names) and so did I. But wecannot tell you the details."