The joint opposition candidate for the upcoming Presidential polls has been named. And it is a former BJP leader who has been a staunch critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The name is Yashwant Sinha, who served the AB Vajpayee government as a Union Finance Minister, among others. Sinha is regarded as one of the finest minds in Indian politics.

Earlier today, Sinha threw a hint about the upcoming announcement. "I am grateful to Mamata Banerjee ji for the honour and prestige she bestowed on me in the Trinamool Congress. Now a time has come when for a larger national cause I must step aside from the party to work for greater opposition unity. I am sure she approves of the step," Sinha, who has been associated with the TMC, said.

Elections are due to be held next month. "We are going to file the nomination for the Presidential elections on 27th June at 11.30 am," Sharad Pawar has been quoted as saying by ANI.