From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who has already distanced himself from the race of President, did not favour other stalwart from the region, Purno A Sangma, for the post either.
Talking to newspersons here on Wednesday Gogoi said that he does not see any sizable support even from the North East for the former Speaker. He also made it clear that he does not like Sangma campaigning for himself for the top post.
Incidentally, Gogoi’s name was floated for the post of Vice-President ostensibly by his detractors within the party to ease him out of the Chief Minister’s chair. After that there was speculation that the veteran Congress leader is being considered for President’s post. When asked if he is being considered for appointment as President, Gogoi quipped: “I am not fit to become President.”
“I am happy that I am the Chief Minister of Assam,” Gogoi reiterated.
The Assam Chief Minister said he respects Sangma as a leader but failed to understand his strategy to bid for the Rashtrapati Bhavan, especially when his own party is not supporting him.
LJP to support UPA candidate
In another setback for Presidential aspirant Purno A Sangma, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) president Ram Vilas Paswan on Wednesday pledged that his party would support the UPA candidate for the top post, Our Reporter adds.
Speaking to media persons here in the city, Paswan said, “We are a part of UPA and we will support them on their choice.”
Reacting to a query on Sangma’s candidature for the top post, Paswan stated that ‘there is no place for personal likings in politics’.
“I have already discussed this matter with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi,” he added.
It may be mentioned that AIADMK and BJD have decided to support the candidature of the former Lok Sabha Speaker for the post of President.
However, Sangma’s own party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has virtually disowned attempts by the senior leader to enter the Presidential race.