Congress says PM will stay till polls

New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday made it clear that Manmohan Singh would remain Prime Minister till the Lok Sabha elections next year while the government ruled out the  possibility of advancing the general election due to shortage of numbers in the Lower House.

The Winter Session of Parliament could be adjourned sine die by Friday, a week ahead of its conclusion. Indications to this effect were available on Wednesday evening with floor managers saying that financial business could be completed in both Houses on Thursday.

Some said that the Houses may be adjourned even on Thursday. However, the BJP said that it was against any move to curtail the session as it wants crucial legislations, like the Lokpal Bill, passed and wants to corner the Congress-led UPA on the issue of corruption.

‘PM will complete his tenure’

A three-line whip asking members to be present in the House and vote in favour of government business has been issued by the Congress.

Speculation about a PM candidate became relevant in party circles following the Congress’ defeat in the Assembly polls in the four states.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Wednesday dismissed as “hypothetical” talk of Nandan Nilekani being made the PM candidate, maintaining that it was for the high command to choose  Rahul Gandhi or any other leader. Party spokesman Sandeep Dikshit also said that “Rahul  has a lot of support and a lot many of us consider him our leader”.

He also brushed aside suggestions that PM Manmohan Singh could be replaced, insisting that the party has already made it clear that he will complete his term.