Sangma in a fix; asked to choose between party or Prez post

New Delhi, Jun 18: Looks like the going is getting tough for NCP leader

and his Presidential dreams after his own party is creating hurdles for him in pursuing his race to the Raisina Hill. NCP chief

has stated that his party "unconditionally" supported finance minister Pranab Mukherjee for the post of President.

If that's not enough of a snub from the NCP for Sangma, Pawar has also warned him of stern action for wanting to contest in the Presidential poll. NCP leader Praful Patel has been quoted as saying, "Let me make it very clear that Mr Sangma does not enjoy support of the NCP. We wish that he does not contest. If he does, I cannot say anything now, he is a senior leader, but I don't think he should defy the party's direction or line of thinking. The party's direction and the line are to support Pranab Mukherjee unconditionally."

There are also reports that Sharad Pawar has also issued an ultimatum of sorts and asked Sangma to chose between the party and the President's post. Sangma has also stated that Pawar has asked him to withdraw but maintains that he is still very much in the race. Sangma added that he will appeal to Pawar to offer his support to him.

Sangma is facing stiff opposition in spite of having the backing of two powerhouses in the form of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa. He was portraying himself as a tribal candidate and had also met many top NDA leaders to drum up support for his candidature.

With Sangma having to face some formidable opponents in the form of Pranab Mukherjee and APJ Abdul Kalam, it seems to race to Raisina Hill is more of an uphill task for him.

OneIndia News