Pranab not averse to seeking Mamata's help in Prez bid

Mumbai, Jun 16: A day after being declared

's Presidential nominee, Finance Minister

today indicated he was not averse to seeking West Bengal Chief Minister

's support in his bid for the top Constitutional post.

"Yesterday I gave my reaction that I will seek support of all concerned", Mukherjee told reporters on the sidelines of an Assocham event when asked if he will try to enlist support of Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee stands isolated in the UPA over Mukherjee's candidature as she ploughs a lonely furrow backing former President APJ Abdul Kalam for the post though the latter never publicly voiced his readiness to join the contest.

Refusing to tow the official UPA line, Banerjee took to internet social network site Facebook today to seek support for the 'missile man', describing him as a proud and distinguished son of India who continues to inspire all Indians.

"In my long political career spanning over five decades, I have been fortunate to receive love, affection and confidence of my party colleagues and also the members and leaders of all political parties. I am deeply indebted to them. I will now again seek their indulgence and support for the next few weeks", Mukherjee had said yesterday after being officially declared the UPA candidate. "We have requested all political parties to lend their support", he said.

PTI