Money power led to Pranab becoming President?
New Delhi, Jul 23: With former NCP leader and BJP nominee for the Presidential poll, PA Sangma’s loss in the elections confirmed, he intends to create some noise in spite of all. While congratulating the President elect Pranab Mukherjee for becoming the 13th President of India, Sangma alleged that money power was one big factor that sealed the fate for Pranab.
Sangma also lambasted on how unfair practices were employed to swing the votes in Pranab’s favour. He stated the elections were not fair and that the country had lost an opportunity to elect a tribal President.
He added, “The public perception is certainly that in identification and projection of its candidate, UPA did not genuinely build consensus and that it persuaded political parties commanding major sections of the Presidential Electoral College by economic and other packages…as well as inducements, threats and promises.”
On the financial packages doled out to states that ultimately became factors to ensure Pranab’s win, Sangma commented, “For election to the Lok Sabha and Assembly, there is a code of conduct for free and fair elections. Such a code of conduct does not exist for Presidential and Vice Presidential elections…Rs 57,000 crore was given to UP, Rs 27,000 crore to Bihar and so many other things have happened.”
Mentioning his plans to move court, Sangma clarified, “We are meeting in a few days to discuss all these issues. We knew that there was a problem in Karnataka. Results also show in many places there was cross voting.”
Sangma also took the opportunity to thank AIADMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for their support. He added, “I thank BJP, Akali Dal, BJP, AIADMK, BJD and all others who supported me in the election.”