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Congratulations poured in from across the country for Pranab Mukherjee over his victory in the Presidential poll on Sunday, with leaders expressing the hope that the nation will achieve greater heights during his tenure in Rashtrapati Bhawan.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had kept everyone in suspense over supporting Mukherjee till the last minute, was among the first to call him. The chief minister told PTI that she had spoken to Mukherjee over telephone after his victory over P A Sangma, who was backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party
Banerjee, who had in an U-turn announced the support of Trinamool Congress for him just two days before the July 19 election, said she had agreed to his request to attend his
swearing-in ceremony.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose party National Conference had supported Mukherjee, expressed hope that he will visit the state soon.
"We are sure he will be a great President and the nation will benefit from the vast experience that he has gathered over his long and illustrious career. We look forward to receiving him in Srinagar when he comes to see the tulips," Omar said.
Reacting to Mukherjee's victory, Omar's father and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah said that it was the "most delightful news we could get".
"Mukherjee is a man with vast experience and has a vision about the future of this country," he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, whose Samajwadi Party had voted for Mukherjee, said, "I congratulate UPA candidate Pranab Mukherjee on his election as the President of India. I hope the country will develop in his leadership."
Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav said, "Mukherjee is an intelligent person and I hope his tenure will be good."
DMK president M Karunanidhi hailed Mukherjee as a "good democrat" and an "administrator".
"This evening, he telephoned me to convey his heartfelt gratitude. I congratulated him on his victory in the election on behalf of my party," Karunanidhi told reporters in Chennai.
"Mukherjee is a good democrat and an administrator. Because of the faith in him, he secured more votes (in the elections)," said Karunanidhi, whose party is a key constituent in the ruling UPA.
Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah hoped that as the country's 13th President, he would steer the nation to greater heights.
"Please accept my heartiest congratulations. Your rich acumen, vibrant knowledge, wealth of experience and foresight will steer our nation to greater heights and place it on a high pedestal among the comity of nations," Rosaiah said in his message.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said Mukherjee had a long association with Assam and hoped that the relationship would continue after he was sworn in as the President of India.
"He is one of the most experienced and senior leaders of the country. With his immense expertise, he will be able to provide guidance to the central government as well as the country," he said.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, whose party Shiromani Akali Dal is part of the NDA, said that he would attend the swearing-in ceremony of Mukherjee.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose JD-U had broken ranks with the NDA on the issue of supporting Mukerjee, spoke to him over the telephone and conveyed his congratulations to him.
Kumar requested Mukherjee to undertake a visit to Bihar shortly.
Other chief ministers including Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Haryana) and Nabam Tuki (Arunachal Pradesh) also wished Mukerjee on the occasion.