Sangma seeks Mamata's support, fails to secure commitment
Presidential candidate P.A. Sangma on Tuesday held talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeking Trinamool Congress' support in the election for the top post, but failed to secure any commitment from her.
"I have come here to request for support of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. I am very happy about the outcome of the discussion. I am going back with a lot of hope of support of Mamatadi and Trinamool Congress," he told reporters after a 30-minute meeting.
"We had a good discussion. I want to thank the Chief Minister and other leaders for giving me time," he said. Claiming that Trinamool Congress, a UPA ally, has not taken a final decision on the Presidential poll, Sangma, who is being backed by AIDMK, BJD and BJP, said that the party would inform him about its decision "within a few days."
Sangma, who recently quit NCP said, "When I had to leave the party in 2004, that time too Mamatadi had helped me. This time also I am expecting she will render all help and support me."
Flanked by Sangma at the state secretariat, Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy, who was present in the talks, however, told the media, "The election is far away. After discussion within our party, we will let you know our decision."
Pressed further on the party's stand, he said, "There is time, so there is no hurry to take a decision at this stage. We will take the party into confidence." The Trinamool Congress, the second largest constituent of the UPA is yet to declare its stand on the July 19 presidential poll after its preferred candidate, former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, declined to contest.
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