Enthused by the Congress decision to back him as a candidate against Prime Minister A B Vajpayee in Lucknow, noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani today pledged to carry the battle earnestly if other political parties extended their support to his candidature.

"I will not shirk the battle if opposition parties unite," said Jethmalani, who made an unceremonious exit from Vajpayee government three years ago.

Bitter about his relationship with Vajpayee and the treatment meted out to him, the former law minister had suggested that he'd contest from Lucknow, the prime minister's constituency, if the opposition parties jointly backed him.

Welcoming the Congress announcement earlier in the day, Jethmalani said, "I have no doubt that the most of the opposition parties will unite on my candidature against Vajpayee."

While declaring its support to Jethmalani, Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee said, "It is for Jethmalani to ensure the support of other opposition parties. He is an independent candidate and we cannot ensure the support of others."