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Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said a brief resolution was adopted at the Cabinet meeting held yesterday to acknowledge the contributions made by former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee. "The Prime Minister, while he began the Cabinet meeting, expressed his appreciation for the enormous contribution made by Pranab Mukherjee. And a brief resolution was adopted appreciating the services he has rendered to the Government of India for the last so many years. And, it was adopted by acclamation," he told the media here. The Union Cabinet met here last evening for the first time in the absence of Pranab Mukherjee, who resigned earlier last week to contest the presidential election. His resignation brought an end to a distinguished 43-year-long political career. Pranab Mukherjee, who is the UPA's presidential candidate, is pitted against former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma, who is supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the AIADMK. The presidential elections will be held on July 19. The vote count will take place on July 22. Pratibha Devisingh Patil's term as President ends on July 24.

Cabinet acknowledges Pranab's contribution: Chidambaram