UPA Presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee, who was in Mumbai yesterday, said that though the post of the President of India was a ceremonial one, it had got adequate powers to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution of India. He was addressing a meeting of legislators, MPs from the Congress, NCP and other political parties who are supporting his candidature. Mr. Mukherjee said that the constitution is more than a legal document because it reflects people’s aspirations. He assured that he would do the job to the best of his ability.

He later met Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray at his residence in suburban Bandra. Talking to media persons after the meeting, Mr. Mukherjee said he had come to personally thank Thackeray for extending support to his Presidential candidature. He was accompanied by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray told reporters that supporting UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee instead of NDA candidate PA Sangma was purely a practical decision.