Thaindian News

Kolkata, June 23 (IANS) In an obvious reference to the Trinamool Congress, United Progressive Alliance (UPA)’s presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee Saturday said that except one, all parties which are partners in the central government have supported him.

“I am the UPA’s candidate. Except one, all parties which are partners of the government, are supporting me. Those giving outside support to the government like the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party have also supported me,” he said.

Mukherjee also mentioned parties outside not associated with the UPA, like the Communist Party of India-Marxist, the All India Forward Bloc, the Janata Dal-United and the Shiv Sena, which have backed him. “Those which have already taken a stand, will vote according to the decision of their respective parties.”

Mukherjee reiterated his appeal to all undecided parties to extend their support to him for the top job.

“Those who are yet to take a decision, I request them to support the UPA nominee,” said Mukherjee, in an apparent appeal to the Trinamool.

The Trinamool Congress, second largest partner in the ruling UPA, is yet to announce its stand on the presidential choice after its preferred candidate, former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, declined to contest. However, Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee has so far been firmly opposing Mukherjee’s bid for the country’s presidency.

Mukherjee is pitted against Purno A. Sangma, who has the backing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and some other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents, as also the AIADMK and the Biju Janata Dal.

Mukherjee also announced he would resign from the post of Union finance minister Sunday.

“I will resign on June 24,” he said.