Presidential Polls: Pranab Vs Kalam?

Pranab Mukherjee on the number 13...
I do not have such superstition but according to Hindu scripture, 13 is lucky.

Pranab Babu is currently an occupant of 13, Talkatora Road and, if elected, will be the 13th President of India.

A Pranab supporter puts up his poster

Congress activists perform a puja for Pranab Mukherjee’s win in Presidential election

To a question do you feel cheated by Mulayam, Mamata says: I cannot say so. He is a political leader. I cannot say that like.

NEWS UPDATE
Sharad Pawar reaches out to CPI's AB Bardhan and seeks support from Left for Pranab Mukherjee

The Left is expected to decide on June 21.

The UPA also in touch with Telangana Rashtriya Samiti

Dr Karan Singh on NDTV: I am delighted that Pranab Mukherjee has been chosen. He is best suited for the job.

When you are talking about elections for the head of state, there will be hectic politicking. That is part of the game.

"We are happy with the presidential candidate, who is now pride of Bengal. We had from the very beginning said we'll support whatever Sonia-ji says," Lalu Prasad, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and former Bihar Chief Minister.

NCP leader and Union Minster Praful Patel says

• The NDA should consider supporting Pranab Mukherjee
• Sangma does not enjoy NCP support; he  should not defy
• Upto the Congress to decide  on the Leader of the House

Pranab Mukherjee on who'll succeed him as Finance Minister
"I do not think I am depository of all knowledge and expertise. The PM himself is an eminent economist."

DMK chief Karunanidhi on Kalam:
" I don't understand why he threw his hat in the ring."

NEWS UPDATE
Pranab Mukherjee appeals to Mamata, says she is my sister

Mulayam Singh Yadav evades any question linking him to Mamata Banerjee, says he will only talk about his party's support for Pranab Mukherjee's candidature to the highest office of the country.

Samajwadi Party's Kamal Farooqi says,"... we never said Pranab Mukherjee was not acceptable We hastened up the process. Otherwise, the Congress would not have come out with the name so quickly."

Last time an active politician was elected President was in 1982. Giani Zail Singh, the the Home Minister in the Indira Gandhi cabinet, became the seventh President of India.

For those of you who just joined in- here's what has happened in the Race to Raisina Hill. Pranab Mukherjee may find the last leg of his journey to Rashtrapati Bhavan surprisingly easy -he's within striking distance of being elected unopposed.

• At a meeting this evening at the Prime Minister's house, the UPA finally declared Mr Mukherjee as its candidate for President of India. 
• An hour later, the must-have support of Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati had been landed. 
• The Left seemed open to persuasion. 
• Former President APJ Kalam, seen as a rival candidate, conveyed that he was unwilling to stand against the Finance Minister. 
• And the opposition BJP conveyed that it could support Mr Mukherjee most likely in return for its own man as Vice-President.