NCP turns against Sangma; asks parties not to vote for him
New Delhi, Jul 13: With BJP’s Presidential nominee PA Sangma campaigning hard to garner support for his candidature, it now seems that the political party – NCP, represented earlier by Sangma, has turned against him. He had quit the party following his decision to contest the Presidential election.
The NCP irked by Sangma’s decision had earlier requested him not to be part of the poll fray. Now, the party is having a no-holds-barred approach to spoil Sangma’s chances and reportedly appealed the BJP, BJD and the AIADMK to withdraw their support to the former NCP leader. NCP General Secretary DP Tripathi has been quoted as saying, “It is very unfortunate that PA Sangma is not observing decency, decorum and dignity in the Presidential elections.”
NCP chief Sharad Pawar had earlier expressed his reservations on Sangma contesting the election, with the party stating that Sangma had lowered the level of his campaign. The self-proclaimed tribal candidate for the President’s post has the support of BJP, BJD, AIADMK, SAD and other smaller parties.
Tripathi rained further accusations on Sangma citing that the Returning officer, the Election Commission and the Supreme Court had rejected various claims made by Team Sangma against UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee. He added, “We appeal to the BJP, AIADMK, BJD leadership to withdraw their support to Sangma for persistent violation of democratic norms.”
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has commented earlier that Sangma should observe decorum in the Presidential elections, a view that was supported by NCP. Tripathi also stated, “This is the election to the highest constitutional office and candidates must conduct themselves with democratic values.”