Mamata not plays truant this time; Rahul also shows up

New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, who had abstained from voting during the Presidential election last month, today exercised her franchise in the 13th Vice Presidential poll as her party is part of the National Democratic Alliance which has fielded Najma Heptulla as its candidate in the tripartite contest.

''We abstained from polling during the Presidential polls on public demand that Dr A P J Abdul Kalam be fielded for the top post, and since it was not accepted we abstained. But this time there was no such thing so being part of an alliance we voted,''Ms Banerjee told reporters after casting her ballot.

Ms Banerjee, who was accompanied by three other party MPs, however, refused to clearly state for whom they voted.

''We voted for somebody. It is a secret ballot,'' she added.

Responding to a question whether she would be attending today's NDA meeting, the firebrand leader said they were not aware of the meeting till yesterday. ''After coming here we came to know about the meeting,'' she said, adding that that they were trying to get their air tickets extended so that they could participate in the meeting.

Meanwhile, Congress MP from Amethi Rahul Gandhi also cast his vote in the post-lunch session. Mr Gandhi was accompanied by other party leaders Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, Subbarami Reddy and Suresh Pachauri.

Despite being asked repeatedly, Mr Gandhi refused to comment which way his vote went.

Former cinestar Vinod Khanna also cast his vote.

Over 750 of the total 779 votes have been cast yet.

UNI