Citing great regard and respect for AICC president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy today announced that his party, All India NR Congress, would support UPA presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee.
A unanimous decision to support and vote for him was taken by the party legislature today, Rangasamy, who is also the AINRC President told a press conference on Sunday. Describing Mukherjee as the right choice, he said, “It is a decision taken by AICC president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, whom I hold in high esteem and hence have decided to support Mukherjee.”
Further he said that Mukherjee was a capable and efficient leader who had been in the service of the nation for a long time.
“Mukherjee is a senior politician who has held several posts. He is highly experienced and has also been a good Finance Minister,” he said. Rangasmay said Mukherjee had contacted him over phone and sought the support of his party.
When asked whether his respect for Sonia Gandhi and accepting her as leader, despite breaking away from the Congress to form AINRC, could lead to some future political developments, he said that future would be decided later.
He also said that he might meet her when he visits New Delhi on June 25 for a meeting with the Planning Commission.
Congress MP Thanks Chief Minister
Shortly after the announcement made by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Kannan thanked the Chief Minister for supporting Pranab Mukherjee.
“ On behalf of the party and my own behalf, I thank Chief Minister for expressing his support to Mukherjee.”