Pranab's daughter prefers him as President than PM

New Delhi: Pranab Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha on Friday said she preferred her father becoming the President rather than the Prime Minister, as he would get some rest in his new role.

Citing the responsibilities which he shoulders currently for the UPA government, Sharmishtha said, "For me personally, it is far better becoming the Prime Minister, because he will be having some rest hopefully."

"Yes, as a daughter, I would prefer him as a President," she said, when asked if she prefers her father being the President than the Prime Minister.

Pranab\'s MLA son Abhijit Mukherjee said his father was the most suitable candidate.

"But the kind of pace he is going on...the kind of multiple responsibilities which he has been continuing over the years. It is not easy for a 76-year-old man to do that. As a President, as a daughter, I'll be happier," she said.

On Pranab becoming the UPA candidate for President, she said, "obviously, it is a moment of celebration. We are really happy and very proud...It (President's post) has been offered to him and we are really proud. I think he deserves it."

Pranab's wife Suvra Mukherjee said, "I am very happy. He is a very nice person. If it is written here (forehead), it will happen."

She added that politics is not discussed at home. When asked what the Finance Minister likes to eat, she said, "Bengali food without oil and spices".

Minutes after Pranab Mukherjee's name was announced as the UPA's presidential candidate, his daughter Sharmistha, expressing happiness at the development, said, "I do hope that he becomes a consensus candidate."

"I think being President will given him probably a little more rest. And, as a daughter, at this age I sincerely wish it for him. He would continued working for the nation in the capacity of the President," Sharmistha, a well-known exponent of classical dance form Kathak, said.

His MLA son Abhijit Mukherjee said his father was the most suitable candidate and thanked UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for nominating him as the Presidential candidate.

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