Congress President Sonia Gandhi today hosted a luncheon meeting of leaders of opposition parties at Parliament House. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, BSP President Mayawati, JD(U) leader Sharad Ydav, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, SP leaders Akhilesh Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav were among those who attended the meeting.<br/><br/>It is believed that the opposition leaders explored the possibility of putting a joint candidate for the upcoming Presidential election. <br/><br/>Earlier, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who did not attend the meeting, had floated the name of President Pranab Mukherjee for the second term. However, Mr. Mukherjee has hinted that he may not accept the second term.<br/><br/>Later, talking to media, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said no names for upcoming presidential election were discussed at the meeting. She said if opposition parties could not agree on a unanimous candidate, a small committee could be formed to help them select a suitable nominee.<br/><br/>Ms Banerjee said that the parties present criticised the situation of unrest in Kashmir, and clashes in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi today hosted a luncheon meeting of leaders of opposition parties at Parliament House. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, BSP President Mayawati, JD(U) leader Sharad Ydav, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, SP leaders Akhilesh Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav were among those who attended the meeting.<br/><br/>It is believed that the opposition leaders explored the possibility of putting a joint candidate for the upcoming Presidential election. <br/><br/>Earlier, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who did not attend the meeting, had floated the name of President Pranab Mukherjee for the second term. However, Mr. Mukherjee has hinted that he may not accept the second term.