I will come back as an ordinary citizen: President Mukherjee

Jangipur: “I will come back as an ordinary citizen of India”, was President Pranab Mukherjee’s message to the people of Jangipur, from where he had registered his maiden electoral win in 2004 after 35 years of a successful public life.

Inaugurating the K.K.M. rural football tournament at the on Mackenzie football ground here, he said he cannot come back as the President as his term ends in another 10 days.

The under-19 teams of traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fought it out till extra time before the former prevailed in a penalty shootout.

The President was greeted with cheers by the people when he said he will become one of the 130 crore citizens of the country and will come back as ordinary citizen.

The rural football tournament for the KKM Gold Cup was started by him in 2010 in memory of his father Kamada Kimkar Mukherjee.

Despite sultry conditions, people thronged rooftops, the stadium and the roads of this small town to get a glimpse of Mr Mukherjee.

Mr Mukherjee did not disappoint as he kept waving and gesturing to the people who had elected him as their MP in 2004 and 2009 and had now lined up to see him.

The President who entered in public life as a Rajya Sabha member in 1969 held important portfolios in various governments.

Friday’s visit was an emotional moment for him where he met people at his residence — “Jangipur House” — built by his son Abhijeet Mukherjee.

After Mr Mukherjee became the President in 2012, Abhijeet won consecutive Lok Sabha elections from here. The narrow road leading to his house criss-crossing lush green paddy fields was thronged by villagers who ran towards his carcade with their cell phones to catch the moment.

A simple house built on an acre of plot in Sonatikuri village with a small pond and ducks moving around has in its hall a large photograph of Mr Mukherjee’s late wife Suvra Mukherjee, whose smiling face welcomes visitors. The house was a hub of activities on Friday where people waited to meet Mr Mukherjee.

“I have written a biography of the President. My elder brother was his classmate. I know him since 1970s,” said Sushil Bhattacharya, who was eagerly waiting for over three hours outside his home to meet him.

Showing an old album and the book he had written on Mr Mukherjee, Mr Bhattacharya rued that police was not letting him in. After sometime he was allowed.