With UPA nominating Mr Pranab Mukherjee as its Presidential candidate, The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today reached out to various political parties including the main opposition BJP to seek support.
Soon after his name was announced by the Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi, Dr Singh called Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Ms Sushma Swaraj and Mr Arun Jaitley respectively, sources said.
He also called up SP supremo Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP chief Mr Mayawati, CPI leader Mr A B Bardhan and the former Prime Minister and JD (S) leader Mr H D Devegowda.
SP and BSP have expressed their support for 77-year-old Mukherjee in the Presidential election.
CPI(M) also congratulated Mr Mukherjee for being chosen as UPA’s candidate for the top job but said it will decide on the issue of supporting him after consulting other Left parties.