Mamata sends 'advance congratulations' to Kalam

New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) Stating that Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav was with her, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Friday sent her "advance congratulations" to former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for a second tenure in office.

Addressing reporters, a confident Banerjee said Kalam was a candidate for both the SP and the Trinamool. "Mulayam and we are together," she said.

"The president's post is very important. There should not be any quarrel. Let us all support A.P.J. Abdul Kalam," Banerjee said.

Kalam has not yet committed himself and said he would take the proper decision at the right time.

The SP and the Trinamool Congress had Wednesday named Kalam as one of their three preferred candidates for president. On Thursday, Banerjee said Kalam was their number one choice and reiterated it after a meeting with SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav.