PTI

New Delhi, Jun 20: India's nominee for the post of UN Secretary General Shashi Tharoor on Monday said his candidature will not dilute the country's quest for a permanent seat in the Security Council.

Dispelling apprehension expressed by the CPI(M) during a meeting with India's nominee for the UN's top post, Tharoor said "my candidature will not affect India's chances at all" as the two issues were not connected.

"India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council is part of the world body's reforms which began in 1992. For us, Secretary Generalship is a matter of immediate future whereas permanent membership is a long-term issue. And my candidature will not affect India's chances at all," he said.

Talking to reporters after an hour-long meeting with CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat and Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury, he said he addressed all their questions on various aspects of his candidature.

Tharoor said his meeting with the CPI(M) leaders was part of an exercise to keep the political leadership of the country abreast with the issues involving his candidature and his chances to get elected to the top post.

He exuded confidence of getting elected to the world body's top post and refused to comment on candidates nominated by other countries, including some of India's allies.

"We stand on our own records to take the responsibility of the top post.... As far as India is concerned, we would not have been in the race if we did not have a chance," he said adding he would not comment on the qualifications of other candidates as it was "inappropriate".