Not in race for Prez: Sushma

New Delhi, June 17 

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today dismissed as “rumours” reports that she was a contender in the presidential poll.

Though neither the government nor the Opposition has declared their candidate for the poll to elect the country’s first citizen, several names, including that of Swaraj, have been doing the rounds.

“These are rumours. I am an External Affairs Minister and you are asking me something which is an internal matter,” she said when asked by reporters whether she was being considered as a candidate in the presidential poll. The presidential poll is scheduled to be held on July 17 while the counting of votes would be held on July 20.

As per the election schedule, June 28 is the last day for nominations, while a candidate can withdraw from the electoral battle till July 1. No less than 16 Indians have already staked claim to the top Constitutional post of the country. — PTI