Pranab Mukherjee resigns as FM but leaves PM overburdened

New Delhi, Jun 26:

finally put down his papers to the Prime Minister

on Tuesday, Jun 26. Before submitting his resignation letter, Mr Mukherjee claimed that he left the job as finance minister to "embark on a new journey".

Mr Mukherjee is all set to experience a new world away from active politics but his resignation may put an extra burden on Manmohan Singh who might be handed over the fiance ministry portfolio.

According to sources, Congress chief and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is not too keen on an outsider assuming charge in the vital ministry at a time when the economic slowdown has sent alarm bells ringing.

Hence, it would not be an easy task for Manmohan Singh to accomplish the pending tasks of Mr Mukherjee. Citing the current situation of Indian economy, critics claimed that the government has only a small window of time to get its act together. And this window begins from Tuesday when Mukherjee formally resigned as finance minister and the Prime Minister is expected to take temporary charge of the finance ministry.

Many other believe that Manmohan Singh will get eight months only to show the potentiality of his government and finance ministry. According to The Economic Times, UPA will not announce the name of the successor of Mr Mukherjee till Sep 2012, since presidential and vice-presidential elections will be held in Jul-Aug 2012.

Despite all such difficulties, Mr Mukherjee became sentimental while delivering his last and final message as the finance minister. "Yet, standing on the brink of such an honour, I will also feel a pinch of sentiments at the thought of leaving behind my life as a political activist, spanning over four decades," said Mr Mukherjee, who during his long political career has experienced many ups and downs but always proved himself whenever time demanded.

Mr Mukherjee has been nominated by the UPA as its candidate for the presidential elections which is scheduled to be held on Jul 19.

OneIndia News