Not surprised by Mamata's decision not to support me: Pranab

Pranab Mukherjee, United Progressive Alliance's nominee for the Presidential poll, on Saturday said he was not surprised by the decision of ally Trinamool Congress's chief Mamata Banerjee not to support his candidature.

With just five days left for the high-profile election, Mukherjee revealed that he had written to around 5,000 members of the Electoral College comprising Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly and Members of Legislative Council, besides meeting leaders of some political parties which have publicly supported his candidature.

When asked about Mamata's refusal to support his candidature, the veteran Congress leader and former finance minister said, "It was not surprising because she is toying with various ideas."

Citing media reports, Mukherjee said Mamata would be taking a decision on her party's support only 3-4 days before the polling on July 19.

Mukherjee, who was interacting with journalists at his residence while taking a break from his countrywide tour, said he has met most of the leaders of political parties, which have announced their support for his candidature.

"But I have written to all the members of (the Electoral College), about 5,000 (of them). I have met and had interaction with only those political parties which publicly expressed their support," he said.

According to him, after being elected as President, he would be engaging more in reading and studies.

Mukherjee, who has had over five decades of experience in politics, suggested that he was not aware of the functioning of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he is set to go after the counting on July 22.

"(About) the government I have idea, ministries I have idea, but that office (of the President) I have no idea," he said.