UPA presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee has requested and sought support from Trinamool Congress, which had not spoken in the issue of backing Pranab to date.

He appealed to Trinamool saying that he had his roots inBengal. He also said that President was above the politics of the parties and was a person who would uphold the constitution.

Trinamool MP Derek O Brien received the letter which had the date July 2nd 2012 mentioned told the PTI that Mukherjee wrote to Trinamool seeking support for his candidature.

Derek Said, “Mukerjee mentioned his long career of politics and experience in the letter”. A few sources in the party opined that the letter should have been sent to the party leader Mamatha Banerjee instead, who actually would take the grand decision.

Ms Banarjee however stated that she would disclose her decision three days prior to the Presidential polls, which are to be held on July 19th.

(AW-Anil)