AGARTALA, July 8 � �Safeguarding the secular value of Indian Constitution would be the main focus if I get elected to the country�s highest constitutional post�, said UPA presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee.
Mukherjee who came down here on Saturday held separate interactive sessions with legislators and leaders of CPM, Forward Block, Congress and INPT at a city-based hotel told media his objective to visit different States is to have consultation with various political parties on his candidature and seek their opinion.
Mukherjee said he had visited the State on several occasions either to explain government policies as Union Minister or to speak on party�s organisational matter. �Today, I will not speak about politics as I have bid adieu to active politics to contest the presidential election�, he said.
�Since the President of India is a constitutional post, I will ensure safeguarding the secular value of our constitution, unity in diversity and celebration in pluralism�, the veteran leader said.
On being asked about the response towards his candidature in the North East, Mukherjee said, �I am over- whelmed by the love and affection showed by the people of North East. I am deeply grateful to them�, he said.
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and his Cabinet colleagues met the UPA nominee and expressed support to his candidature for the country�s top constitutional post. During the session, the Chief Minister told the veteran leader that he would win the election. However, two legislators of RSP and one MLA of CPI skipped the session with the UPA presidential nominee.
Mukherjee had also a separate interactive session with Congress legislators and leaders where he explained how the election to the country�s top constitutional post is being conducted.
In the session, Mukherjee thanked the party leaders for extending full support to him during his long-active political career spanning about 50 years. �In my long political career, I have got support from all of you and I am here to bid adieu to all as a politician�, an emotional Mukherjee told Congress leaders. PCC president Sudip Roy Barman, CLP leader Ratan Lal Nath and former Chief Minister Pranab Mukherjee were present in the session.
