Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Minutes after BJP announced support to his presidential bid, PA Sangma reposed confidence that he will sail through to victory while also appealing to all political parties to support him.
“Article 55, Clause 3 of the Indian Constitution clearly says that the election of the President of India shall be by secret ballot, therefore you cannot go black and white,” Sangma said while dismissing the import of the apparent lack of numbers in his favour.
“…it is the conscious of the nation, conscious of the members (legislators) will work (in my favour),” he quipped.
Sangma said that he is not the candidate of any single party and is the representative of the 10 crore tribals in the country.
Thanking J Jayalalithaa and Naveen Patnaik for having supported his candidature, he said that he hoped that other parties will also support him.
On the BJP’s announcement, Sangma said, “I am happy that BJP has taken a stand to back my candidature in the upcoming presidential elections. It is not just the BJP, the Akali Dal, JMM and other smaller parties have assured support to me.”
“Shiv Sena and JD(U) have taken a different stand. I Request them to reconsider their stand…I will go on a tour and personally request every political party,” he added.
On whether Mamata Banerjee will support him, Sangma said, “I have spoken to Mamata and she has assured her support. Now that Dr Kalam is out the race I hope that she will support me.”
