Pranab yet again appeals to Trinamool

In a fresh appeal apparently aimed at the Trinamool Congress, UPA presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee Sunday urged all political parties to vote for him.

"I am a nominated candidate of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) and other parties. I want everybody's support and cooperation," the minister told the media outside his South Kolkata residence.

"Those who have already decided their stand will vote according to the decision of their respective parties.

"To those parties who have not yet taken any decision, I would appeal to them to support the candidate of the UPA in unanimity with the UPA and those outside who have extended support," he said.

The Trinamool, the second largest constituent of UPA, is yet to announce its stand on the presidential choice after its preferred candidate, former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, declined to contest.

However, Trinamool chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has so far firmly opposed Mukherjee's bid for the country's presidency.

On Saturday night, Mukherjee had said there was no scope for meeting Banerjee now though he would speak to her on the presidential polls if the need arose.

"When it will be necessary, I will definitely talk to her," Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee is pitted against former Lok Sabha speaker Purno A. Sangma, who has the backing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and some constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) besides the AIADMK and the Biju Janata Dal.