Pranab refrains from comments on UPA-II

Troubleshooter for the Congress and the government not long ago, Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday refrained from making any comments on UPA-II at a time when it is accused of non-performance.

"How can I say what is unfinished? I cannot say that now. You have to say," Mukherjee, who a fortnight back resigned as the Union finance minister to contest the Presidential polls as UPA nominee, told reporters in an informal chat at his residence.

He also had no fresh appeal to Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, who has opposed his Presidential bid strongly.

"Whatever I had to say, I have already said," was his brief reply.

The 77-year-old leader's refrain was that he was unable to provide a good copy to reporters as he was no longer in the government or the Congress party.

"I am incompetent to give any hard news to you today," was the frank admission of the veteran who is still unsure whether he could vote in the Presidential polls being a member of the Lok Sabha.

"I will have to check with legal pundits," was the reply of Mukherjee, who is considered as a walking encyclopedia on matters related to the Constitution.

He was dismissive of the idea of conscience vote floated by opposition candidate P A Sangma noting that members have largely voted as per party line since 1992 which saw no single party gaining majority.

Mukherjee also refrained from making any comments against Sangma, who has launched a stinging personal attack on him.

"Everybody has his own perception. They go according to that," he said.