Pranab Mukherjee resigns as finance minister, PM likely to take charge
26 Jun 2012
Pranab Mukherjee today submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ending his team as finance minister before filing papers for the Presidential election. The prime minister has accepted his resignation and has forwarded the letter to the President for consent.
Manmohan Singh is expected to take additional charge of the crucial finance ministry, according to sources and an announcement regarding the finance minister is expected soon.
''I have received your letter of June 26, 2012 resigning from the union cabinet. I have forwarded your resignation to Rashtrapatiji with the recommendation that it be accepted with immediate effect,'' the prime minister wrote in a letter to Pranab Mukherjee.
Mukherjee, the ruling party's candidate for next month's Presidential elections, appeared emotional at a farewell speech at his North Block office before meeting the PM.
Mukherjee said he was humbled by his nomination for President and thanked all those who supported his candidacy. He seemed to be in good humour and even joked with reporters.
The PM keeping the finance portfolio at a time when the Indian economy is fragile is expected to send out strong signal of confidence to the global community.
