Pranab Mukherjee still hopeful of Trinamool support

Ranchi, Jul 12: UPA Presidential nominee

said that since Trinamool Congress chief

had not spoken her mind on supporting him, he was still hopeful.

"I am hopeful. She has not decided and, I understand, she said that she will communicate her decision two days before the elections," he told reporters here when asked whether he expected UPA ally West Bengal Chief Minister's support. He said all UPA partners, save one, were supporting his candidature and other parties like Samajwadi Party, BSP, RJD, LJP, Janata Dal (S), Janata Dal (U) and Shiv Sena were supporting him for which he was thankful.

Mukherjee, who met JMM president Shibu Soren and Ajsu party president and Deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Mahto, refused to join issue with BJP-supported candidate PA Sangma's charge on offices of profit against him. "All their allegations have been rejected by the Returning Officer and the Election Commission. I will not like to comment on the so called allegations," Mukherjee said.

PTI