Pranab Mukherjee stepping down to run for president: TV

Jun 15, 2012 |

Reuters

New Delhi

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Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will step down on June 24 to contest the presidential election, television channels reported on Friday, clearing the way for a cabinet shakeup at a time when the government is struggling with a faltering economy.

The ruling Congress party was due to meet its coalition allies on Friday to finalise its presidential candidate.

Party sources have said that Mukherjee is the front-runner for the largely ceremonial position, although a key ally has rejected his candidacy, raising questions about whether Congress has the votes it needs to get its man into the presidential palace.

There was no immediate comment from Mukherjee's office on the reports.

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