News Desk: UPA's presidential candidature Pranab Mukherjee is on his way to Raisina Hill and he was received by Smajwadi Party and two tainted MLAs, who are in jail on criminal charges.


Pranab was accorded a warm welcome by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, his ministerial colleagues, party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and many politicians and legislators.


Mukhar Ansari, an Independent MLA supported by the ruling SP, is an accused in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanad Rai and is currently staying at the Medical College in Lucknow pleading hypertension welcomed Pranab on Tuesday. The former Union Finance Minister was also given heartiest welcome by tainted SP Vijay Mishra, who is accused of attacking BSP leader Nanad Kumar Nandi.


The jailed legislators were only allowed to attend the Assembly proceedings, which concluded on Tuesday. However, they were seen at 5 Kalidas Marg, official residence of Akhilesh Yadav, at the grand lunch. They met Pranab leaving many red-faced,


While the Congress had invited all legislators for the lunch, BJP and BSP legislators did not attend. Pranab was later received by former chief minister and BSP supremo Mayawati at her sprawling Mall Avenue residence late night. He met senior leader SC Mishra and BSP legislators and MPs on the occasion.


Pranab has been meeting top leaders seeking their support for the post of President.

Follow us on Twitter & Be our Fan on Facebook.