Pranab to leave Sangma way behind after Trinamool support

New Delhi, Jul 17: With Trinamool Congress extending support to the UPA candidate in the Presidential poll,

is likely to garner close to seven lakh vote value leaving his rival PA

way behind in what appears to be a highly one-sided contest.

Mukherjee is assured of support from parties which have a vote value of around seven lakh while Sangma has around 3.15 lakh vote value in an electoral college of 10,98,882. If all the votes are polled, one needs to get 5,49,422 vote value for a win. Opposition-backed Sangma was always behind in the electoral arithmetic as NDA allies JD(U) and Shiv Sena broke ranks with BJP to support Mukherjee.

The supporters of 77-year-old former Finance Minister include Samajwadi Party, BSP, CPI-M, Forward Bloc and JD-S among others. With the support of SP (66,688 vote value), BSP (45,473), JD-U (40,737), Shiv Sena (18,495), JD-S (6,138) and CPI-M and Forward Bloc (around 41,000), Mukherjee can expect vote share of about seven lakh.

The number game was not in Sangma's favour as NDA strength has been reduced to 2.43 lakh after JD-U and Shiv Sena extended support to his rival. However, with AIADMK (36,920 vote value) and BJD (30,125) backing, his votes will rise to 3.10 lakh.

The electoral college for the Jul 19 poll comprises 4,896 members -- 776 MPs and 4,120 MLAs -- who have a vote value of 10.98 lakh. If all the votes are polled, a candidate who gets more than 5,49,442 votes will be declared winner.

PTI