Congress leader Renuka Chaudhary has said the party is trying to arrive at a consensus with the widest consultation in deciding on the next person to be president.

"It is always nicer when we get a consensus and we can move together collectively, it is a good signal that we give to the nation, if that happens, well and good, otherwise no one is afraid of a contest, that option is always there, but we are trying to get a consensus with the widest consultation in the best democratic practice," Chaudhary told media.

Chaudhary also said the consultation is in process with party colleagues. "At this point, we are in consultation with our colleagues and I believe personally, it is not my party opinion but my personal opinion that anybody who is considered for the post and comes into it qualifies to be the President and I wouldn't want to comment on them personally, I don't think that they are lacking in any of the qualities that have been prescribed, I would like to believe that," said Chaudhary.

There have been certain rumours that the Congress has been trying to reach out to ally partners to have a consensus on Vice President Hamid Ansari or Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for the prestigious post.

The Congress has till now remained tight-lipped on the issue and has refused to be drawn in the ongoing speculations.