How is Pranab Mukherjee becoming the president different from many others? Having a hardcore politician, who has half a century of experience in politics, in the Rashtrapathi Bhavan would definitely be a lot different than many others.

President may be the virtual constitutional head of the Nation but he is the supreme leader in complicated political situations, Pranab Mukherjee said in his campaign before elections in Agartala. This was the subtle remark of the highly cautious and diplomatic veteran who has been a part of thousands of political battles. Politicians are already mulling over the impact such a veteran can make while being the president.

The residence of the President on the Raisina Hill had been held earlier by APJ Kalam, a man of science, a diplomat K R Narayanan and a low-key career politician, Pratibha Patil. Older presidents were from Congress while the rule was by a single party such as R Venkataraman,  V V Giri and others.

A congress leader had said that a man with 50 years of political experience could have tried to be the Prime Minister of the Nation, but Pranab has chosen to be the President and his move had already set him apart from others.

Mukherjee's election as the president is extremely important with the Lok Sabha Polls scheduled to begin in 2014. It could mean that the congress has a slight advantage even if it loses in the 2014 elections with Pranab in a key position of the government of India.

However, it would also not ensure that Congress has a definite advantage. Though it has been cast on paper that Mukherjee was amiable with the Congress, the reality may state otherwise. Congress had made a choice which was forced by number of events but it initially had its own hesitations in supporting Mukherjee.

(AW-Anil)