This morning after meeting Sonia Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee did not speak to the media and left with his customary folded-hand greeting. The other Congress leaders were also tightlipped. Pranab is the Congress's first choice for presidential candidate.

Ally DMKwas represented by TR Baalu, who emerged last out of the meeting with Gandhi. He spoke to the media for a few minutes saying, "Keeping in view of political stature and seniority in public life, my leader Karunanidhi was consulted by Madam last month through Antony. My leader had suggested a name. The name has been communicated by Antony to Madam. Madam at any point of time, will be announcing the decision," Baalu said.

He said the name of the person cannot be divulged as of now and parried questions on whether the candidate is among the five persons whose names have been made public. "Madam will announce it shortly. Not today... At any point within this week," he said. When asked if DMK was fine with Mukherjee's candidature, he said, "it is between the two higher ups. My leader has communicated the matter long back. We stand by it."

The Congress however will announce the name of its presidential candidates in the nest 24 hours.