Former vice-president and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Bhairon Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday said he will not contest against the party's prime ministerial candidate Lal Kishanchand Advani [Images], but left himself open to being a consensus candidate. 

Shekhawat, who had earlier said he may contest the next Lok Sabha polls, was asked if he could be a consensus candidate should the National Democratic Alliance led by Advani failed to attract enough MPs.

The 86-year-old leader acknowledged his popularity across the political divide and replied, "I will not do it without Advaniji's consent."

"I will not contest against Advani for PM's post under any circumstances," he said, trying to take the sting off BJP's attack on him.