Sangma meets Mamata; seeks Trinamool support

Our Bureau Updated - June 26, 2012 at 08:43 PM.

Final decision on presidential candidate yet to be taken, says NCP leader

The presidential candidate, Mr P.A. Sangma, met the West Bengal Chief Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee, here on Tuesday, seeking her party’s votes in his favour.

Addressing the media after his meeting with Ms Banerjee and other senior leaders of Trinamool Congress at the Writers’ Buildings (State Secretariat), Mr Sangma, said, “I have come to request for their support in favour of my candidature in the forthcoming presidential elections.”

Mr Sangma has the backing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and some constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The meeting with the State Chief Minister, which lasted for about half an hour, was a “good one,” he said. “We had a good discussion and I am happy about the outcome of the meeting. I am going back with a lot of hope,” he said.

Mr Sangma, however, clarified that no decision has been arrived as yet. “They (the party members) will discuss the matter. The final decision is yet to be taken,” he said.

Trinamool Congress, a key ally of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, is yet to announce its stand on the Presidential choice.

Mr Mukul Roy, Railway Minister and General-Secretary, Trinamool, who was also present at the meeting, said, “We have not yet decided. We will discuss with our party members. We will intimate about our decision later on.”

shobha@thehindu.co.in

Published on June 26, 2012 15:13