New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is being pitched as the UPA's next prime ministerial candidate if the Congress comes to power in General Elections 2009.
However, according to Congress sources, Manmohan will not be contesting the Lok Sabha elections.
Instead, just like 2004, he will be using the Rajya Sabha route if he returns to office.
The party's clarification comes in response to opposition leader L K Advani's challenge to the PM to become a Lok Sabha member.
Advani, who challenged Manmohan to contest the elections, referred to Constitution which makes membership of the Lower House a key criterion for becoming the head of the Government.
On Thursday, Advani also dared Manmohan to a live TV debate on the lines of US Presidential elections.
However, the party has categorically denied all such propositions.
“Advani used to keep saying that Manmohan Singh was weak. Now that Manmohan spoke in strong words and showed Advani his reality, Advani got scared and asked for a TV debate,” said Congress spokesperson Kapil Sibal.
The war of words between the two rival prime ministerial candidates began earlier this week when Manmohan criticised Advani, saying his only contribution in public life has been the destruction of the Babri Masjid.
Manmohan had severely questioned Advani's record as Home Minister, citing the attack on parliament and communal killings in Gujarat.
The BJP has been calling Manmohan India's weakest Prime Minister for a long time.
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