Pranab: I got overwhelming support
Noting that he had the privilege of visiting almost all state capitals in the last one month, President-elect Pranab Mukherjee said on Sunday that he got overwhelming support and affection despite his introduction being limited to members of the electoral college.
Mr Mukherjee also utilised the opportunity to thank his rival, Mr Sangma, who had congratulated him on his victory. Congratulations poured in from all over with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi, senior ministers and BSP supremo Mayawati making a beeline for his 13, Talkatora Road residence to greet him. Vice-president Hamid Ansari called Mr Mukherjee to congratulate him.
Mr Sangma, a former Lok Sabha Speaker who split from his party NCP to contest the election, congratulated Mr Mukherjee and wished him success. However, he alleged that the election was “exceptionally partisan” as the UPA lured states with “packages, inducements and threats”. He did not rule out moving court on the election. Mr Mukherjee has acquired a mastery of working in coalitions since 1996 in different capacities, both in the Opposition and in government. He brings a wealth of experience to the top constitutional office, having held various key positions in the party and government at the Centre.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who had kept everyone in suspense over supporting Mr Mukherjee till the last minute, was among the first to call him. Meanwhile, parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said, “Fifteen votes were invalid. Of these 15, nine are ours and six are of non-UPA parties.”
Asked how the party was hoping to better its performance in the forthcoming vice-presidential poll, he said the party would that all MPs cast their votes properly. Mr Bansal said Mr Mukherjee defeated Mr Sangma by a margin of over four lakh votes.
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