New Delhi, June 12 (ANI): Amid reports of a difference within the ruling coalition over the presidential candidate, Congress Party on Tuesday reiterated that the UPA is not only unified, but also cohesive.

Well, repeatedly over the past eight years, whenever there has been a political challenge, this question has repeatedly propped up with regard to the cohesiveness or the unity of the UPA. We have repeatedly demonstrated time and again that not only is the UPA unified, but it is cohesive, said Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari here today.

As I have earlier pointed out, there is a process in play. The moment the process fructifies into a decision, we would officially be more than happy to acquaint you with that, he added.

Tiwari further said the Congress Working Committee has authorised UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to take a final decision on the presidential candidate of the party.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is believed by many to be the front-runner among those vying to be the next President of India

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee will meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi here tomorrow and is expected to discuss the UPA's choice for the presidential candidate.

The cancellation of visit to Afghanistan by Mukherjee has fuelled speculation that the UPA would come up with his name for the presidential candidate soon.

The ruling Congress Party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had earlier on Monday made it absolutely clear that they would come up with a suitable name following due consultations, and at an appropriate time.

A fresh round of consultations on the issue of selection of a presidential nominee has begun in the UPA, after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) authorised Sonia Gandhi to decide on the candidates for the coming presidential and vice presidential elections.

According to reports, the resolution, authorising her, was moved by Pranab Mukherjee.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil's term ends on July 24 this year. (ANI)