SP, BSP pledge support; Trinamool may abstain
After months of speculation, confusion, high drama and talk of dark horses, the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) — minus the Trinamool Congress — finally announced its presidential candidate, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
At the end of an hour-long meeting of UPA partners at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence on Friday evening, Congress president Sonia Gandhi declared in front of TV cameras that the UPA had picked Mr. Mukherjee as its nominee for Rashtrapati Bhavan. “There is broad support for his candidature,” she said, reading from a prepared statement. “The UPA appeals to all political parties and all MPs and MLAs to support the candidature of Mr. Mukherjee for the office of President.”
As UPA members broke into applause and Mr. Mukherjee went pink, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's T.R. Baalu, as if on cue, whipped out three ponnadais (shawls) for Ms. Gandhi, Dr. Singh and Mr. Mukherjee, seconds after he gave the Congress president an enormous basket of flowers. As UPA leaders milled around Mr. Mukherjee, congratulating him, Mr. Baalu hovered around him, beaming much like the Best Man at a wedding.
The optics had clearly changed.
Within the hour, Samajwadi Party general secretary Ramgopal Yadav announced that his party would back Mr. Mukherjee's candidature; minutes later, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati addressed a press conference in Lucknow, declaring her party's support for him.
With the UPA, minus the Trinamool, holding 37.6 per cent of the vote, the endorsement by the SP and the BSP meant that Mr. Mukherjee's support base stands at 47.7 per cent. The four Left Parties will take a final view on June 21, but indications are that they have no reservations about his candidature. If they too decide to back Mr. Mukherjee, his support will stand at 52.4 per cent of the Electoral College.
Meanwhile, even as Dr. Singh and Ms. Gandhi began working the phones after the UPA meeting, making personal appeals to leaders of all parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr. Mukherjee, in response to a question on the Trinamool's obdurate stand, smiled and told journalists: “She is like my sister.”
Indeed, till the Presidential election ends, all eyes will be on the Trinamool and its 4.4 per cent vote share. Having realised that the Bengal pride card may not be enough to change the mercurial Ms. Banerjee's mind, Congress managers, party sources say, have used the past 48 hours to try and persuade those Trinamool MPs and MLAs unhappy with Ms. Banerjee to vote for the UPA candidate, banking on the fact that there is no whip in the Presidential election.
Aware of this, Ms. Banerjee may ask her legislators to abstain from voting altogether, according to Trinamool sources.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool MP and former Railway Minister, Dinesh Trivedi, who was sacked for not toeing the party line over the fare increase, told a TV channel on Friday that if the Trinamool were to sever links with the UPA, it would make it even tougher for Ms. Banerjee to secure a bailout package for the cash-strapped West Bengal.
Of course, the question of mustering support for Mr. Mukherjee remains relevant only if there is another candidate. As things stand, Ms. Bannerjee's choice, the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, hasn't found any declared supporters, besides the Trinamool. Mr. Kalam has indicated more than once that unless he is a consensus candidate, he will not contest.
On the other hand, the former Lok Sabha Speaker, P.A. Sangma, being backed by the AIADMK and the Biju Janata Dal, reiterated on Friday that he was still in the race. It now remains to be seen whether his candidature gains further ballast: the BJP-led NDA is yet to announce whether it will back Mr. Sangma or Mr. Mukherjee.
Keywords: Presidential poll, UPA, Pranab Mukherjee, Political parties, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi party
Pranab is better suited for Prime Minister's job. It is exactly for this reason he is pushed out into rastrapathi nilayam. To pave way for 'our' 'young' 'dynamic' and 'charismatic' 'leader' Rahul Gandhi. God save the country!
Mr. Yes of UPA govt. he will be better put as President instead of serving as finance minister.
A political crony for an apolitical position, can only happen in the great republic of india, the world's largest democracy. Atleast Vajpayee had the sagacity to call on Kalam during his tenure.
Well..he has screwed up the economy enough,driven away foreign FDI ,did not take any effort to bring back black money..so,he has to be rewarded ..mark my words,this guy will bring down the status of Rashtrapati Bhawan to the lowest level-would be worse than Patil...cry,my beloved country...
I Propose Infosys Narayana Murthy for president. He will be Good for a prosperous and Scientific mindset to develop in India. A break from partisan politicking. Please mark your support, everyone who likes this idea in this column. Let the president be a reflection of people's choice unlike the prime minister.Indian media should debate and collect people's opinions on the man worthy to be president and not just the Gandhi family.
We in Bangladesh are happy that UPA has nominated Mr.Pranab Mukharjee as next President of India.
We in Bangladesh are happy that Sri Pranab Mukarjee is nominated as next Preident of India. He is a friend of Bangladesh and widely accepted by all neighbours.
Supporting Pranab Mukerjee for Presedential post is an Agony for India. He niether has the Charisma nor the clean image to serve the prestegious office of head of armed forces. In his current capacity of Finance Minister, he is discharging a duty which is beyond his capacity resulting in common man taking to street due to wrong policies. I would urge every politician (irrespective of whichever party he/she belongs to) to introspect & choose the able & capable person for this Prestigious post. Jai Hind
It is disheartening to know that a veteran like Mr. APJ Abdul Abdul Kalam who has proved to be one of the best presidents India has ever seen is stranded with no supporters from any party other than TMC. Had there been a public election, he would have won very easily with no effort as millions of Indians wish to see him come back to the lime light. UPA has clearly made a wrong choice by fielding Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. His service is badly required in the downgrading Indian economy as a Finanace MInister. A President should be apolitical and impartial. How can Congress assure that Mr Pranab can be like this. I urge all parties to support Abdul Kalam as he is the well-deserving candidate for this post.
The trouble shooter of all problems in Congress Party is being elevated to the highest post in India. His elevation to the President post may be the loss of a stalwart and a trouble shooter for problems of Congress Party. My hearty and early congratulations to the Teacher-Advocate turned politician.
There was an unwritten consensus among majority of political leaders that this time the next presidential nominee must have served the country as a politician. Pranab Mukerjee is not only a seasoned longstanding politician but also perceived in public as very decent, upholding highest traditions of parliamentary debate with decorum and ethics, knowledgeable in constitutional provisions and generally respected across the political spectrum. At a time when most journalists and politicians on live TV question why there should be a connection between decency, decorum, ethics and politicians-given that one third of our parliamentarians have criminal cases pending against them-it is but natural that the country heaved a sigh of relief that an able political administrator who has held all major positions in governance, with acumen in international diplomacy and whose political stature has not been sullied in over five decades as a politician was chosen by UPA to become the President.
Instead of Pranab, the nation should choose Manmohan as President, as PM during last 8 years , he had been a mute spectator of systematic looting and degeneration of countries institutions, this makes him the ideal candidate for President where he can continue to do where he left as PM.
Nice move by UPA. One sane man with morality and character. Moving him to Rashtrapati Bhavan is gentle way of getting rid off him.
Does Pranab knows anything about finance, Coin counting is not finance. Why India is suffering today. He flirts shoulder to shoulder with corporates, and kept formers starving. Pranab is actually burden to the nation Neither Manmohan nor Pranab can claim any expertise in finance and economics. India is suffering as these leaders are blind to recognise the true wealth of the nation. Manmohan kind of people flourish as long as paper degrees, paper money spins around. When it comes to the true result they fail. They are simply copy cats of other nations, not able to provide Gandhian solution which is unique to our nation, climate and our sentiments.
congratulations to pranab mukharjee i think he will make india brighter.
Hi!Congratulation to Pranab Sir!I wish you all the best to full fill your duties with out corruption
Am not a big fan of Pranab Mukherjee, but looking at the current presidential standards, I suppose anyone would do.
Pranab, the man who crushed the Indian democracy colluded with Indira Gandhi&Sanjay Gandhi during Emergency 1975-1977 is Ready to enter Rashtrapati Bhawan.As Finance Minister of GOI he still now protecting all the corrupt in UPA Government.Pranab may be a clever administrator but not a Upright&Honest Person like Hon'ble A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.Is Pranab Savior of Democracy or Shame? All Good People in Public life must think.
Congratulations to Pranab. Very good choice. A complete man. No need to compare Pranab with Kalam. He will be one of the best President's of our country. Hope BJP and Left parties also support Pranab.
There occur two versions to the elections - one people consenting for a candidate, other an unanimous support for another. There occurs another irony - on one hand, the common man of India supports a person, who has undoubtedly served the nation apolitically, however he has already served his term. On the other hand, there runs an overwhelming support for a person who has seen almost every up and down in Indian Politics, has been a part of it and has served in vivid backgrounds of the cabinet, and therefore possesses a huge experience. There could be support for Mr. Kalam, given his services and vision as a president, however, no President of India has ever served two terms, and that too when such a competent candidate exists. So, UPA has committed no error in nominating him, and there would be perfectly no harm if he wins the race. And Mr. Kalam has himself stood back from the race, and therefore there is no point in demanding him back.
A true statesman indeed, Mr.Mukherjee will surely adopt in the office with dignity and purpose. As a trouble shooter for the Govt. all these days, his enoromous experience and statesmanship will prevail and the Govt can look to him always. A right candidate at the right time which is a rarity today.
The president of India is an another puppet post, because they are not using their power and simply acts like a rubber stamp. So far in India none of the presidents took strong action against corrupted politicians rather they are supporting. So, it is no matter whom so ever it may concern (Pratibha Patil or Pranab Mukherjee).
Dada did not add much value as Foreign Minister or a Finance Minister. Other than being in Congress for four decades, he has very little to be proud of. His past political history is also not clean. 'UPA is a sinking ship' is indeed 100% right. That is why perhaps UPA has named Mr. Mukherjee. Mr. Manmohan Singh is a good man; but a very weak leader without gravitas. With Soniaji's reclusive personality and Mr. Singh's indecision, the country is at a cross-road.
Okay, so all the Bengali people are happy, makes sense I guess I too would be if I was a Bengali. But most importantly how qualified is he ? I don't men the degrees (MA, BALLB and Dr etc) but his work ? integrity, leadership and track record of past responsibility. He, his father are supported of congress (though he left congress for a short time) hope that was not the reason. But, yes I do agree he will be better than the current President. About Sir APJ K, I think he prefers the chaos in middle of excited students and future of India than the corrupt ambitious belligerent politicians.
Thank God. Now I hope a puppet Finance Minister is put in his place who unlike Pranab, ACTUALLY listens to the sound advice of Dr. Manmohan Singh. Pranab has devastated the economy and I fear for my job security.
Failed miserably as Finance Minister and now selected to follow Pratibha Devi as President of India!; very appropriate, isn't it? India hasn't reached its lowest point yet, I guess.
As a comment by Rashmi pointed out, if Presidents were elected by the public, none of the candidates so far proposed would stand a chance against Kalam. On the other hand, it is also clear why political parties do not want Kalam: because he was no rubber-stamp President. His opposition to such ridiculous bills as the Office of Profit Bill (clearly designed to 'profit' politicians in power) is well known, and contributed a lot to people viewing him, quite rightly, as more of a people's representative than any of the 'elected' politicians. This is precisely why political parties like SP unashamedly say that they want a 'political' person for the post of President. Of course, such a person would have the 'decency' to not against his or her political friends who got him/her there in the first place.
Congrats pranab da...
As Mamta has correctly pointed out, if direct polls for the post of President is held, Kalam will come out first as the winner; others will no where to be seen (like losing their deposits, they will be vanished). Pranab is a knack politician who knows how to deal with and act depending on the circumstances.
The lesson from this is that Sonia's word always wins. A nation of more than a billion people bending everyway possible to accomodate the wishes of one person, and this is called democracy. What a shame.
UPA's dilly-dallying has ended, and the cats on the wall SP & BSP jumped over to UPA's compound. Hence NDA better not approach Dr APJ and leave him alone guiding the children, the future generation leaders, to the heights of excellency. The country will prosper. Congrats to Pranabji and wish him all the best. He is one of the best politicians now available to congress party. Jai Hind.
His only qualification seems to be a shrewed politician. In more than 43 yrs of his political career what is his contribution to the People and Nation ? He has reason to be Happy because anyway he he will be kicked out of way of Rahul. Instead of a dustbin he is being thrown into a Retirement Bhavan. For the Nation it is not at all an inspiring event. AP Kalam could have been a real refreshing choice.Crores of young people felt happy with him as President just because of his demenour.
Whereas someone like Shri. Hazare who fasted for the nation's sake with no expectation in return is being brandied in all possible terms (including traitor), Pranab who has done the nation's economy in to an abyss is being rewarded. As much as Shri. Kalam is deserving so is Shri. Hazare - we need to have patriotic people who have served the nation seleflessly (including soldiers at the front line)at the president's office. Given that there is no work to be done and it is just a ceremonial post, we as a nation will be better off using it to honor selfless people.
I support no political party, nor do I wish to comment on any candidate. It seems to me that, at this point in time, when Indian democracy is far from being clean or robust or fair to the citizens, the country would have benefited from a non-partisan, non-political, non-communal, highly intelligent and internationally respected patriot - who puts the interest of India and Indians above all else - as President. One would like to think India has many such candidates. What a real loss it would therefore be if such a party-neutral patriot is not elected the President of India! As the ruling coalition is about to install their staunch party-man (albeit with excellent credentials otherwise) can there be any doubt that it was the opposition parties not the ruling coalition that was outwitted!! Would The Hindu now publish an Editorial analysing how and why the opposition parties lost the plot?
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam was the first President of India to have been honoured with a Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. He was also the first scientist and first bachelor to occupy Rashtrapati Bhawan. He returned Office of Profit Bill once during his Presidency term which had loopholes to prevent corruption which is why the outsider & Congress now wants People's President not to contest so they can have another puppet nodding to their low command for 5 years.
Mr.Pranab is truly deserving for this great honor of swearing in for Presidential candidature.If we read his biography, he had been proclaimed as in top 5 Finance minister in Indira Gandhi tenure and being a part of vital politics in congress working committee since five decades. obviously, We can never contrast his patriotism with Bharat Ratna honoured 'Mr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam' on being a proactive member in the Republic politics.But his apt and a continuous dedication towards Social affairs might be fruit-full for robust Foreign relations.
Mamata is correct. She do want Pranab because everyone know about his master mind. And Mulayam deceived Mamata in a very short span of time.
This will happen only in Indian Politics, till now we have seen the direction and the orders given to PRIME MINISTER. Now we are going to see even for the PERESIDENT. What happened to our economy? where we stand? to promote or to reward what has done? Raise in the price of petrol, if questioned there won't be any proper and relevant replies. for all these credits promoting to the level. The first citizen of India IS NEEDED? Mr Pranab Mukharjee is not the right choice. what ever we say or we write, nothing going to happen, its there game field and we are blind followers. My choice would be Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
I am concerned at our political system, and none of us are bothered about it. When things always go on reactive mode, then there is nothing needed to plan. But, this reactive mode has a life time too. We need to proactively think about politician age and what is most appropriate age for them to retire. Why is that we do not set age limit for our netas? can't we change them? I believe age 40 after quite bit of public or civil service is mandatory, and perhaps make them retire at age 70. 40-70 is what I am looking as ideal age for politicians. I want right leaders for our youthful nation.
Congress realises that winning the next forthcoming general elections is a difficult bet in the face of corruption scams and sheer incompetence of its administration. So why not put a hardcore party loyal in the President's post for the next five years. The president can and will use his powers if he really wishes , in key matters.Smart move Congress! Well done.
Will Pranab's role as champion trouble shooter for congress going to be more complex in future particulary post general elections? Its going testing times for a personality who is so involved with the political balancing of equations.
@Dipankar Ghosh With all due respect, it's not about bengali or marathi or tamil or etc etc becoming president it's about the best person. We are in 21st century and we need to grow together and not by pulling each other on the name of language, religion, caste or place we belong from. This is Sonia's biggest tactical move, With his man as president she now indirectly controls both governmental and military system of India. Hope she don't have any plans for judiciary. Also this will help UPA if there is a tight situation in next general elections and even if UPA loose Sonia still has something to do. If someone has not noted, the first words of Pranab M after nomination were Thank you Sonia ji. WoW our may b next president is full of gratitude to a person who was never proven that she want any good of India or Indian people...!!!
Sure, he must deserve it, he oversaw the sale of 200 metric tonnes of gold to the IMF in Dec/2009 .. loss of over 20,000 cr. of YOUR money. So his incompetence should definitely be rewarded with the presidency of the nation. Maybe it was Manmohan Singh with his Harvard pedigree. So why hasn't the media taken this story up, your guess is as good as mine?
One more puppet of congress.Wonder what kind of transparency would encourage UPA to choose such a politically active candidate for election. Why didn't they went for some one with more integrity but no political bias ? They could have chosen some one like Sreedharan, Narayan Murthy if not our beloved Dr. Kalam. Wonder when would they do so and bring some one who will work for the people in agreement with the gravity of the presidential position.
Pranab Da is deserving candidate for the highest post. don't compare with kalam as both are from different field, kalam is not a politician, and the President's post must be political. kalam never had the qualification for the highest post.
If Pranab wins and and Dr Kalam loses, it means people's wish was sabotaged by the selfish politicians.
Rajiv gandhi must be turning in his graves, seeing the rise of his power broker to the president. Anyway, Sonia gandhi is doing calculations very well and is slowly but surely paving or easing the way for her son to occupy the high office. We only hope that pranab will not become another zail singh and create head ache for the govt.
Non-UPA team - Please join hands and try to elect APJ as the President, against Mukherjee who will once again be the puppet sitting at the top post. Let's not have yet another puppet as the country's First Man. We need you, APJ Sir !!! You ONLY can do wonders .... It's our HUMBLE request.
I can't Digest this.Pranab selected ahead of APJ Abdul Kalam.Purely a biased selection from Sonia gandhi.If india have general elections to elect President people anonymously elect Kalam. UPA needs a person who nods his/her head for every thing they say with out any compulsion.
Someone has commented "another puppet for Sonia Gandhi to play with". I would say another RUBBER STAMP president Congress is trying get in. Respected Abdul Kalamji please for Heaven' sake do not jump into fray and get your lofty image tarnished. As an academician I am very much concerned.
It is such a shame we have no better leaders to choose from!
Mr Mukherjee played a vital role in the UPA affairs,particularly during the last two to three years.He is the senior most minister with vast experience.He worked hard to defend the govt against allegations of massive scams.He cleverly steered the sinking ship.He was respected by all and he took advantage of this to defend the corrupt.He was most loyal to the high command.He has been duly rewarded.I only wish he had shown genuine concern for the country's economy. Let us hope that after his election,he will serve as the PRESIDENT OF INDIA.From now on national interest alone should be his concern.Party loyalties should not be carried into Rastrapathi Bhavan. As the country enters into more turbulent period,he should have non-partisan approach.
Right choice pranabda to be the first citizen of our glorious republic. His wealth of knowledge in all facets of life and the economy, His humble living as a graceful chanakya teacher, His negotiating skill and acumen to steer ahead, Will all guide us in taking the republic To a glorious future. May god bless him and the country.
Good choice for the position, given his knowledge and diversity in working with all factors Mr.Pranab Mukherjee will bring pride and honour. Good luck.
Are we all Indian blind or deaf to elect yet another political party member. Congress will try to come in power and all legal (sorry Illegal policies are going to be approved) and may be a 600% salary hike for political members keeping the entire working class people and even foreign companies to suffer. India is the global market why you guys trying to kill by cheap politics. Elect someone like APJ Kalam, or TN seshan who knows whats right for people. Please on behalf all Indian nationals don't kill us with your cheap politics.
Next challenge for UPA is choosing a right candidate for Finance Ministry!! who would be that? PM himself?
@ Shiv Shankar Dayal; Good forsight ! Bravo !@ Pravimal Abhishek; Good apprehension ! Bravo !
Congress planted her tree in power until 2017. Congress knows they will be eliminated after 2014. Thus, they can remain in 'some' power until 2017. Otherwise, Pranab doesn't deserve this post. Pranab was the person who recently said in front of the media, "I don't know where this country is heading to."
Very good choice. Congratulations to Pranab M, you deserve it. Your experience, honesty, integrity will take India to bright future. go ahead.
President post is a most honourable post for which no politician should be appointed. But congress does not look beyond its narrow view of partisan but appoint a person who is made a mess of Indian economy and brought the entire people to suffering by his inefficient methods and ideology. Only God has to save this counry and its people.
@Mizaj..'India's Chanakya'?? Chanakya was always INDIAN.. I don't understand..
We have very deep concern with the way our govt is moving. At this stage our govt should think seriously to lessen the crisis going on in our country. We fully support Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam as our President
Given the current times where every second politician is tainted,incapable and substandard , I feel Pranab Mukherjee is by far the best choice.I hope he puts his entire skill & experience in shaping the well-being of the nation and does justice to the highest responsibility.I wish Good Luck to him!
Congratulations Pranabji.In this era of Coalition Governments, you will be the most effective person to lead the Nation. You are a fair, balanced person capable of taking tough decisions. You are a thorough person with excellent knowledge of constitution,economy, parliament, foreign affairs, political issues in each state and also the political leaders. You can guide the Prime Minister in handling complex problems facing the nation.
India is loosing powerfull Prime ministrial candidate if Pranabda is elected as next President of India.
Let us resolve to elect the UPA nominee Pranab Kumar Mukherjee, a seasoned and polished leader,a friend of even the opposition leaders,a constitutional expert, one who never minces words and calls a spade a spade gracefully as our President unopposed and allow this most deserving stalwart to occupy the Raisina Hill and deliver his best.He is the right choice to redecorate the Rashtrapathi Bhavan with the glory and honour it has lost in the last five years.
Please don't make Jaswantsingh Of BJP as Vice President... His photographs while bending to Taliban will flash all over world..
For the first time , a complete person ( from all corners ---political , social and what not ), is going to head the democratic sovereign state of India constitutionally and we all are proud of INC producing/naming such a dignitary . All supporting political parties are also welcome . May GOD ! Indian Republic flourish/long live........................
Though Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam is the choice of billions of Indians,he should not contest the election.He will serve the nation irrespective of the position he holds.If he looses the election,then that will be unbearable.Everyone wants to see him as the president of India as a consensus candidate.On the otherside of the coin, Pranab Mukherjee is also a deserving candidate.Just think of his long political career and his role as a troubleshooter.He possesses all the qualities to be the president of India.Don't compare Pranab Mukherji with Kalam Saheb.Rather compare him with the serving president.Wish him all the best.We should not drag Kalamji to the game of politics.
Now that UPA has got rid of Dada and Didi, will they stand up and perform to pull the economy back to shape? Make Sibal the Weepee and save the Education sector too.
Congrats to pranab.
Congratulations to Pranab uncle.........we want India's Chanakya to be the next president.
I think this is not correct decision taken by UPA.It will be very difficult concerning him with Kalam sir.In this bad times Kalam should be our president so that India may get into our 2020 vision and comes back track.
upa fail to observe the nerves of people of india.they should support kalam .looking all these factors it is clear that it is reverse gear. they play on backfoot.
Congress is positioning itself in a safe vault; even if they lose in forthcoming election they would get support from President to save their party members. Generally politicians should never be elected as President. When there are more deserving candidates like Dr. APJ Kalam lives in the country, why Congress is taking such bad decisions? The opposition party and the alliance parties should stand against this decision ...
What does adding another position (The President) really do to someone who really does nothing anyways! May be that is why he is better suited for the post. Another puppet for Sonia to play with. My Motherland is screwed by all these incompetent corrupt people! Shame I cannot do anything!
Congress pushes the nation to yet another wait for a deserving and impartial President. The feeling of helplessness overcomes the joy while congratulating Mr Mukherjee. Anyway, God bless him.
Very good choice. Congratulations to Pranab M, you deserve it. Your experience, honesty, integrity will take India to bright future. We live in USA, I always say to my kids that there are great leaders in India we shouldn't forget to read their Biography.
It was expected that Shri Pranab Mukherjee would be nominated to the highest office.He is an erudite scholar. He took MA in History,Political science,LLB,D-Litt.He was a teacher,Journalist and author.He was Deputy chairman Planning Commisssion.He held important portfolios in ministries viz Industrial Development,Shipping & Transport,Revenue & Banking,Commerce, Steel Mines,External affairs,Defence and Finance.Shri.Pranab is a negotiator and trouble shooter.UPA chairperson has done a great service to the nation by picking Shri.Pranab for the highest office in our country.Every political parties who loves the country should support him.Political leaders should get rid of their parochial view and join the main stream to make Shri.Pranab Mukherjee as our next President of the greatest democratic country of the world.Whole world is watching how much we are matured enough to shape the future of our country. Shri.Abdul Kalam was given one chance. He is an illustrious son of our mother country.
It is the good move by the UPA government to elect Mr Mukherjee as a president candidate. I wish he can be one of the most prospective presidents of India
The grand fight for retirement
And this partially ends the week long drama on Presidential election.This is also a big blow to the hope of the nation to have a genuine person like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in the presidential post. What an irony ! A widely popular, Visionary, apolitical person, who is also a receiver of the nation's highest civilian award (Bharat Ratna) and who already proved himself as the most popular President of India, is left out behind someone having a 'five decades of experience in public service' as a member of a political party.
Throughout a political career,Pranab made a substantial achievements in the economic condition of our nation as a finance minister.So i personally believe that the presidential post to him will serve our country at best in the interest of our citizens.Congratulation to Finance minister Pranab mukherjee to win as a president
A.P.J Kalam is the right person to deserve it
So the guy that ran the nation's economy in the ground gets to be the President. I dont know what to feel anymore.
Disheartening to see the previous comment. For how long are we going to see these things from a regional perspective? Isn't it merit that matters the most?
what a leap of decision by the congress? Mr. mukherjee should not be made the president. As the country is already grappling with crisis in economy side, Mr. Mukherjee role as a rescuer will end and the economy will experience more jerks.
@Dipankar All you can think about that he is a Bengali. The Hindu will not publish this but anyway Pranab is getting this post because he is in the way of Rahul Gandhi for next PM.
A very good choice by Sonia ji and UPA. Pranab Da will make a very good President. Congrats Dada in advance. Congrats Sonia ji for selecting a candidate outside the Gandhi loyalists and the kitchen cabinet at least ,for a change. The Opposition should not put up a candidate, just for the sake of opposition and let there be no contest. Show some sportsman ship.
Pranab I think you know who deserves this position. If there will be general election for president in India the entire public will go for Dr. APJ Kalam...
This is the first time since the independence a bengali has been choosen
for the higher post by the ruling party and the coalition.Wish him all the best.
Congratulations to Pranab Mukherjee. He would make a great president of India, and would be an asset in these difficult times.
What shall be UPA without Pranab? A risky road ahead for Congress.
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