New Delhi: Ending days of intense speculation, finally, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s name was announced as United Progressive Alliance’s (UPA) presidential candidate on Friday. The decision was taken at a meeting at meet of UPA allies at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s official residence 7 Race Course Road; leader from all UPA partners were present except Trinamool Congress. The high-level meet was chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and was attended all top leaders of the UPA including Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Pranab Mukherjee and other senior cabinet ministers were also in attendance, when the historic decision was made. Among those present were DMK’s TR Baalu, RLD chief Ajit Singh and Praful Patel from the NCP. Apart from the UPA constituents, the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have also assured support to Pranab, reports claimed. Also, the Left has also indicated that it will support Pranab as President after the UPA announces his name, Media Conversion.Pranab would now resign as Finance Minister and file nomination on June 25, after PM returns from a foreign tour.
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