Moscow: President Vladimir Putin today declared his readiness to be Russia's next prime minister if his chosen successor Dmitry Medvedyev wins the March 2 presidential poll, confirming forecasts of political pundits that he intends to run the Kremlin after stepping down next year as head of state.

Speaking at the Congress of the ruling party this evening, Putin backed the formal nomination of 42-year-old Medvedyev as the presidential candidate and said he would be willing to continue the "common cause" with him "in new capacity" after stepping down in May.

Putin, however, ruled out the transfer of presidential powers to him as prime minister.

Putin, who has served two four-year consecutive terms, is not eligible to seek re-election for the third time and earlier last week approved Medvedev as his successor. Next day after seeking the backing of four pro-Kremlin political parties, including United Russia, Medvedyev in his TV address offered Putin to be his Prime Minister, an unprecedented move in the world politics as it is virtually a "demotion" for the incumbent president, who would be leaving office at the top of his popularity.

Addressing the delegates of United Russia Congress, which formally nominated Medvedyev as its presidential candidate, Putin said it was an "optimum choice."

"Medvedyev is the person, whom the levers of power can be handed without any fear or shame. He only thinks of citizens and the state," Putin declared.

Source : PTI