President Poll: PA Sangma quits NCP to contest

New Delhi, Jun 20:

quit NCP to contest for the

poll on Wednesday.

The announcement of Sangma's resignation was made by Janata Party President, Subramanian Swamy.

According to Swamy, NDA would meet at 6 pm today at Senior BJP leader, LK Advani's residence to decide on the president election.

Sangma was under pressure from the NCP who asked him to back out from the president poll or face action.

"We have supported Pranab Mukherjee who is the best choice for the country for the top Constitutional post. Sangma should respect the party's decision and should not contest the elections," said senior NCP leader and union minister for Heavy Industries, Praful Patel, while addressing 'Maha Rozgar' rally at Bhandara.

"Sangma did not consult the party or senior leaders before announcing his candidature for the post. If he contests the election, it would violate party directive and invite action," he said.

Sangma had found his support in Chief Minister of TamilNadu, Jayalalithaa and her Odisha counterpart, Naveen Patnaik for the elections. He had also sought the support of Trinamool Congress and NDA.

Union Agriculture Minister and NCP chief, Sharad Pawar lauded praises on UPA's presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee calling him the best nominee.

It would be interesting to see if Sangma's move will cost his daughter, Agatha Sangma, who is in the UPA ministry and an NCP member, her job.

OneIndia News