The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has nominated senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as its candidate for the Presidential poll. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi announced Mr. Mukherjee candidature at a UPA meeting that took place at the Prime Minister's residence on Friday evening.

Mrs. Gandhi said Mr Mukherjee had long experience of public service and enjoyed wide spread support cutting across party lines. The UPA Chairperson appealed to all parties to extend their support to Mr. Mukherjee.

Reacting to his nomination, Mr Mukherjee thanked the UPA Chairperson for his nomination. He said he had accepted the candidature with humility and felts deeply honoured to be the UPA nominee for the President's post.

Describing Trinamool Congress Chief Mamta Banerjee as his sister, Mukherjee also sought the support of her party in the Presidential polls.

Soon after Mrs. Gandhi announced Pranab Mukherjee's candidature for the President's post, a number of political parties extended their support for the veteran Congress leader. Announcing his party's support, Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said Mr. Mukherjee was an able, experienced and scholarly parliamentarian.

BSP chief Mayawati also extended her party's unequivocal support to Mr. Mukherjee. She said he was the most capable, mature and correct presidential candidate.

DMK chief M. Karunanidhi also welcomed Mr. Mukherjee's candidature for the President's post.

Rashtriya Janta Dal chief Laloo Yadav and Jok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan have also extended their parties' support to Mr. Mukherjee.