Pranab Mukherjee Turns Emotional As Congress Bids Farewell to Party Veteran

Mukherjee became a member of the CWC in 1978 and has been a key player in the top decision making body of the party.

Sweets, including popular Bengal delicacy 'sandesh', were distributed at the meeting as Congress leaders wished the 76-year-old leader a good innings ahead.

Known for his razor sharp intellect, Mukherjee, a quintessential Congressman, is variously described as a walking encyclopedia, chronicler of Congress history, expert in matters of Constitution and governance and a stickler for rules in Parliament.

Digvijaya Singh not present at CWC meeting:

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh was not present at the CWC meeting. Karan Singh, who was one of the aspirants for the Presidential post, was also not present.

Asked about his absence, Digvijaya Singh said he was in Madhya Pradesh to attend a private function and had accordingly informed the party leadership.

On Digvijaya's absence, Dwivedi said he was among the six leaders who could not attend the meeting.

Digvijaya Singh had courted controversy by dubbing Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee as "immature" and "erratic" over her opposition to Mukherjee's candidature drawing instant disapproval from the party.

Mukherjee is expected to launch his campaign for the Presidential polls from Chennai on June 30 and then likely to visit Hyderabad and Bangalore the next day.

Parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal is coordinating Mukherjee's poll campaign, including the process of filing of nomination. An informal coordination committee has also been set up.