"A senior and respected leader like Pranab Mukherjee, who is going to retire (from active politics), should be given a graceful sendoff," Tiwari told reporters in Patna, adding that it was his personal view.

JD-U cheif Sharad Yadav told reporters in New Delhi that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will meet Sunday and decide its stand on the presidential poll.

"It must have been his personal view. The NDA will meet tomorrow and decide on our stand," Yadav said about Tiwari's statement.

JD-U is the second largest partner in the NDA and the party shares the power in Bihar with the BJP.

Tiwari also said that it was clear that Mukherjee will win now that the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have offered him support.

Mukherjee was officially announced the UPA candidate for presidency Friday.

At the NDA meeting Friday morning, JD-U chief Sharad Yadav opposed the combine extending support to former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's candidature. The JD-U had also been miffed with the BJP over delay in deciding the strategy for the poll.