By IANS,
Chronology of a day when the United Progressive Alliance announced Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as its presidential candidate
11.am – The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meets to discuss presidential polls
11.20 a.m. – Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose name was proposed by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, said he will take a right decision at the right time
11.40 a.m.- Nationalist Congress Party leader P. Sangma said he is ready to contest
12.10 a.m – Banerjee endorses Kalam’s name again, gives him “advance congratulations”
1 p.m. – BJP leader L.K. Advani said not in a hurry to make an announcement and will consult again with allies on president polls
2.55 p.m. – Mukherjee tells media persons not to torture themselves under the scorching sun and the announcement will be made.
3.30 p.m. – Congress president Sonia Gandhi reaches Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 7, Race Course Road residence ahead of the UPA meet on president post.
4 p.m. – UPA meet begins
5 p.m. – Gandhi announces Mukherjee as UPA presidential nominee and appeals to all political parties to support him
5.20 p.m. – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh calls opposition leaders and asks them to support Mukherjee
5.21 p.m. Ram Gopal Yadav announces Samajwadi Party’s support for Pranab
5.41 p.m. Mayawati announces BSP’s support for Pranab
6.15 p.m. – In first reaction, Mukherjee says he is “deeply honoured” by his nomination
6.53 p.m. Mulayam Singh says Pranab Mukherjee is the most suitable candidate
7.52 p.m. – Mukherjee calls Banerjee his sister and appeals to her for support
8.50 p.m. Mamata Banerjee says the game is not over yet, let’s wait and watch.