Pranab Mukherjee all set to assume Presidency

Legislators across the country voted for a new president today after days of bickering among ruling and opposition parties over the ruling UPA's presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee. But, as polls neared, Pranab Mukherjee seemed to have gained a clear edge over his opponent P A Sangma, who is backed by the opposition Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). 

A total of 4,896 legislators belonging to state assemblies and the Parliament are expected to vote at the presidential election and the results will be announced on Sunday.

Mukherjee, with support from almost all members of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) as also the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Rashtrya Janata Dal, Janata  Dal-United and the Samajwadi Party, is more likely to be the winner.

While UPA partner Trinamool Congress was initially against Mukherjee as the presidential candidate, party chief Mamata Banerjee has since fallen in line, reportedly after the Congress threatened to break alliance with her party if she failed to support Pranab Mukherjee's election.

Also, with the opposition alliance National Democratic Alliance (NDA) breaking ranks over support to Sangma, Mukherjee's election as President seems to be a forgone conclusion.

For the Congress Party, however, the nomination of Pranab Mukherjee for President opened a new window to reshuffle the cabinet.