India: Congress-led UPA nominates Pranab Mukherjee as Presidential nominee

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was named on Friday evening as the ruling UPA nominee for the Presidential poll .

The official announcement was made by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi. "Leaders of the constituent parties of the UPA met. It was decided to propose Pranab Mukherjee as candidate for the office of the President of India. There is broad support for his candidature.

The UPA appeals to all the political parties and all MPs and MLAs to support the candidature of Mukherjee for the office of President, announced Sonia Gandhi."

Pranab’ schances have brightened following support extended by Samajwadi Party and BSP.

Reacting to the announcement, Pranab Mukherjee said he will talk to other parties in the coming days. He told the media “I am deeply honoured for the nomination. I seek the support of other parties." About who will be the new FM, Pranab smilingly said “that decision will be taken by the PM. “

"PM and Sonia Gandhi informed me about Mukherjee's candidature. Our party will vote for him though we don't agree with UPA government's policies," said Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati. But Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee asserted “We are firm for Kalam as presidential candidate"

CPM leader Brinda Karat said "We congratulate Pranab Mukherjee for being chosen as the Presidential candidate of UPA. He is a very senior leader of Congress".

"Congratulations to Pranab Da. I have no doubt he will make an excellent president & I'm pleased to have been able to commit NC's support,"

Omar Abdullah Tweeted.

Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam says he is not keen to contest for presidency.

"Leaders of the constituent parties of the UPA met. It was decided to propose Pranab Mukherjee as candidate for the office of the President of India. There is broad support for his candidature. The UPA appeals to all the political parties and all MPs and MLAs to support the candidature of Mukherjee for the office of President, announced Sonia Gandhi. " She appealed to all political parties to support Pranab Mukherjee.

Ram Gopal Yadav announced Samajwadi Party's support for Pranab.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh personally calls BJP leader Sushma Swaraj to get BJP's support for Pranab Mukherjee. NDA will not oppose Pranab Mukherjee for the presidency, according to Times Now

DMK will back Pranab Mukherjee. This was announced by party leader T.R. Baalu.

Pranab Mukherjee may resign as Finance Minister on June 24, file nomination papers for President's post on June 25.

- Asian Tribune -

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