Fernandes to muster support for UPA nominee in Meghalaya

Shillong, June 28 (UNI) Union Minister and Congress leader Oscar Fernandes will visit Meghalaya to muster support for UPA nominee Pratibha Patil, Chief Minister D D Lapang said here today.

The Union Minister will address both coalition partners of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on June 30 at the residence of the Mr Lapang.

Meghalaya has a total vote value of 3,144 among 60 Legislators and three Members of Parliament for the Presidential election.

Mr Lapang said the meeting will mainly zero in on the Presidential election and seek the support of the coalition partners.

The Congress, having 29 Legislators, is leading the Congress-led MDA government with the support of the four regional parties United Democratic Party (8), Meghalaya Democratic Party (4), Hill State People's Democratic Party (2), Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement besides three Independent MLAs.

He said the Congress would also approach the Opposition Nationalist Congress Party (8) besides other two Independent MLAs to ensure victory for UPA nominee Pratibha Patil.

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president Onwardly Nongtdu said necessary initiative would be made by the Congress to ensure the victory of Ms Patil.

Mr Lapang had requested the Congress Working Committee to ensure maximum votes from Meghalaya for Ms Patil.

UNI