Going post haste to the margins

Much to the chagrin of the Congress high command, party leaders are now approaching the Left and allies, seeking their endorsement for appointment to constitutional posts. Three senior Cabinet colleagues of Dr Manmohan Singh approached the Left recently and wanted them to rubber-stamp their candidacy for the presidential elections before the party picked Pratibha Patil for the high post. Now it is learnt two Congress ministers have yet again approached the Left. This time they want their names to be earmarked for the vice-president8217;s post. One of them not only sought the blessings of the communists, but also took his case to the DMK8217;s M Karunanidhi. Naturally, there is consternation in the highest echelon of the Congress over partymen begging the Left and allies for appointments rather than discussing them within the ranks.