By Our Reporter
Shillong: Mixed reactions have emerged from various political parties over the resignation of NCP general secretary Purno A Sangma from the party.
Reacting to PA Sangma’s resignation from the NCP, Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said it is the final act of desperation.
“How does PA Sangma think he has the mandate of nearly 100 million tribals across the country when he has not been able to make a difference in the lives of people even in his own home turf where he enjoys all the privileges and luxuries?” Dr Sangma questioned.
Referring to the long innings that PA Sangma has had with the Congress and the important positions he had held during his tenure in Delhi, Dr Sangma said the former Lok Sabha Speaker could have done a lot for ‘our people and the State’ but he never used the opportunity to bring positive changes even in his constituency.
Taking a dig at the tribal bandwagon used by PA Sangma to call attention to his candidature, Dr Sangma observed that just because a few people in Delhi decide to prop up PA Sangma as the Presidential candidate, it does not necessarily reflect the mandate of all the tribals of the country.
Meanwhile, UDP working president Bindo M Lanong said that Sangma has taken a very crucial decision of resigning from the party considering his daughter Agatha K Sangma is a Cabinet Minister in the UPA-led Government at the Centre.
“It would be interesting to see the reactions of the NDA to this decision of Sangma. I have a feeling that if Sangma is backed up by the NDA then we are going to have a very interesting contest for the President’s post,” Lanong said.
He, however, observed that the Trinamool Congress holds the trump card in the Presidential race.
“If Trinamool Congress decides to support Sangma then anything is possible,” Lanong felt.
Lanong also does not foresee any political turmoil in the State due to the resignation of Sangma.
“With election round the corner I do not think it is going to have any effect on the State NCP,” he added.
However, BJP general secretary Dipayan Chakraborty felt that it would be too premature to comment anything unless he has a clear idea on the mindset of his party’s Central leadership over Sangma’s resignation.
“I am aware that the NDA is considering supporting Sangma for the Presidential election,” Chakraborty said.
He was of the opinion that Sangma’s decision to resign from the NCP would have a definite impact on the political scenario in the State.
“It would be interesting to see the political developments which are going to be unfolded in the next few days,” Chakraborty said.