UPA’s presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee resigned as the Finance Minister on Tuesday, thus marking the end of an illustrious career spanning four decades in the Congress and government.

Today I stand ready to embark upon a new journey, says Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on his last day in office.

Mukherjee on Monday received a warm send off from officials of Finance Ministry whom he thanked for the support extended during his three-year stint at North Block.

In the midst of farewells he received, the 77-year-old leader promised the quotes-seeking media a “last message” before he submits his resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“Soon, I will not be a part of the finance ministry, I will not be a political entity,” Mukherjee remarked on Monday, but promised to deliver his “last message” before he bids adieu.

“I got full support of all officials in whatever I achieved so far as a finance minister. I thank all the officials for their support and co-operation,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, his Congress party’s top leadership including its president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and general secretary Rahul Gandhi bid a warm farewell to Mukherje e, who affectionately is addressed as ‘dada’.

Gandhi hailed Mukherjee as the senior most member of the CWC and said it was a matter of great pleasure that the UPA has made him a presidential candidate.

Singh said Mukherjee’s absence will be felt as he discharged many duties in the government.

The informal CWC meeting called to felicitate Mukherjee was attended by 20 of the 26 members, including Permanent Invitees.

The Congress has set up a 12-member Coordination Committee to finalise the campaign programme and strategy of Mukherjee, who will file his nomination on June 28.

The Committee will meet on Tuesday and is expected to finetune the campaign.