By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Leader of Opposition and NCP MLA Conrad Sangma on Monday came down hard on Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for not extending support to Purno Sangma’s bid for Presidency, saying that Gogoi was toeing the party line to please the Congress and Sonia Gandhi.
“It’s very sad that Tarun Gogoi does not take pride in having a President from the North East region,” Conrad said.
Commenting on NCP president Sharad Pawar’s decision to support the UPA candidate for the presidential election, Conrad said there is no whip from the party and all elected representatives of the party reserve the right to vote for any candidate they like.
Conrad also informed that the tribal forum of India had forwarded names of six probable candidates and Tamil nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had decided that Purno Sangma will be the appropriate contestant.
“It is a good chance for the tribals and Christians of North East India to have a president from the region,” he added.
According to Conrad, though the tribal issue is a part of Purno’s campaign, people should acknowledge the contributions he has made for the people.
Conrad also mentioned that the NCP has ten per cent of votes for the Presidential post.
“Let there be a debate on the choice of candidate as I feel that all candidates should campaign for themselves since we need to know what issues a candidate can raise in the run up to the election,” he said.