The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) today named Senior congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as their candidate for the Presidential polls. The UPA has also appealed to all parties to extend support to Pranab Mukherjee's candidature.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi announced Mr. Mukherjee name in the UPA meeting that took place at Prime Minister Manmohan singh's residence this evening. Mrs. Gandhi said, Pranab Mukherjee has long standing experience of public service and enjoys wide spread support cutting across party lines.

Earlier in the day, the National Democratic Alliance NDA also met to discuss the Presidential polls at senior BJP leader L K Advani's residence in New Delhi. Addressing the media after the meeting BJP leader L.K Advani said the NDA is not in hurry to decide on the issue and is closely watching the situation. Mr Advani said the NDA will meet once again on the issue.

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee had earlier pitched for A P J Abdul Kalam’s candidature for the post of President.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav today said that his party is not in favour of mid term polls and will continue outside support to the ruling United Progressive Alliance. Following the announcement by the UPA, Samajwadi party leader Mohan Singh also extended his party's support to the UPA Presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee.