President of India: Mamata Banerjee smiles on Pranab Mukherjee win, will be at swearing-in

KOLKATA: For once the political fault-lines in Bengal dissipated on Sunday as the enormity of the first Bengali occupant at Raisina Hill started to sink in. Mamata Banerjee called up Pranab Mukherjee after it was clear that he has got an unassailable lead and congratulated him. Mukherjee thanked her and requested her to be part of his July 25 swearing-in, which Mamata "graciously" accepted.

Trinamool's Rajya Sabha MP Derek O Brien confirmed, "Yes, Mamatadi had called up Pranabbabu to congratulate him on being elected the country's 13th President. Pranabbabu thanked her and requested her to be present during the swearing-in ceremony. Mamatadi has accepted the invite."

This capped the day-long celebrations from the bursting of fire-crackers and garlanding a huge portrait of Pranab Mukherjee at the PCC headquarters, to an eclectic gathering at the cool environs of a plush hotel to celebrate Mukherjee's victory. Governor M K Narayanan said, "Bengal and the whole of India hail the victory. "

The celebrations at the PCC headquarters started when counting began. From 10am, supporters started gathering.