Pranab's letter quitting Kolkata institute is forged: BJP

New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) The BJP Tuesday claimed that UPA presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee's letter quitting as chairperson of the Kolkata-based Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) was "fabricated".

"The resignation filed by Pranab Mukherjee is fabricated; and it is unfortunate that people contesting for such high office are indulging in such kind of activities," said Ananth Kumar, Bharatiya Janata Party national general secretary.

He was addressing a press conference hours after the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential nominee's candidature was accepted. Contesting against him is former speaker P.A. Sangma, being backed by the BJP, AIADMK and the Biju Janata Dal.

A controversy was raked up Monday when Sangma's team demanded rejection of Mukherjee's nomination, alleging that he was holding an office of profit as chairman of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).

The ISI later issued a statement that Mukherjee had resigned on June 20. Mukherjee had filed his nomination eight days later.

Sangma's lawyer Satpal Jain accused Mukherjee of remaining "silent" on when he submitted the resignation letter.

"Pranab has not mentioned when he gave it (resignation letter). He is silent on it," Jain said.