India's Mukherjee Claims Presidential Poll Victory

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, left, poses for a picture with the newly elected President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi, July 22, 2012.

The presidential candidate for India's ruling coalition, Pranab Mukherjee, has declared victory in last week's poll.

Indian media report the Congress Party leader has garnered enough votes cast by national and state legislators to become India's 13th president.

He thanked cheering supporters outside his New Delhi home on Sunday and expressed his gratitude to the people of India.

The presidential post in India is largely ceremonial.

The 76-year-old resigned as finance minister last month to run for president. He previously served as India's foreign affairs minister and defense minister.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.