Reacting to his nomination, Finance Pranab Mukherjee thanked UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for his nomination. Mr. Mukherjee said he has accepted the candidature with humility and feels deeply honoured to be the UPA nominee for the President's post.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Mukherjee said, that in his long political career spanning over five decades, he have been fortunate to receive love, affection and confidence of his party colleagues and also the members and leaders of all political parties. Mr. Mukherjee said, he was deeply indebted to them and will now again seek their indulgence and support for the next few weeks.

Mr. Mukherjee said, consultations will be be held by the UPA with all parties.
Asked on vacating the Finance portfolio, Mr. Mukherjee said, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself is an eminent economist and can deal with any situation. He also said, there is no dearth of people in the Congress party who can handle economic matters.

He said, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will take a decision on the new finance Minister.