By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: NCP legislator and member of the Opposition in the State Assembly, James K Sangma, has stated that there is no harm in playing the tribal card to seek votes in the Presidential election. He said ‘the highest post in the country has always been about symbolism and tokenism’.
Sangma who is campaigning on behalf of his father, Purno A Sangma for the Presidential election justified the idea of seeking votes in the name of the tribal community on the plea that the Presidential elections have been about symbolism.
Sharing his views at the two-day national seminar at Synod College here on Thursday, Sangma said India derives its strength from its diverse culture so there is no problem for the marginalised section of society to aspire for something big.
Citing names of former Presidents of the country who represented the minorities, Sangma said Dr Zakir Hussain represented the Muslim community by becoming the first Muslim to acquire the highest post. The tenth President KR Narayanan was the first Dalit while Pratibha D Patil is the first woman to become the President of India.
Pointing out to the two candidates for the post of President, the NCP legislator said Pranab Mukherjee will be the first Bengali to occupy the highest post in the country if he wins while PA Sangma will emerge as the first tribal to become the President, should he emerge victorious.
The younger Sangma however did not brush aside the plus points and merits of the two candidates.
“Both of them (Pranab Mukherjee and PA Sangma) have served this country well and by considering their merits, I think they both qualify to occupy the highest post,” Sangma said.
Meanwhile, turning to the current scenario of the Presidential election, the NCP legislator said this presidential election is going to be a different election altogether stating that there is a chain reaction that has been set off.
“”This is apparent in the kind of coalition drama played out today and I can tell that because of this Presidential election, there is a split in the UPA government. The third front is supporting PA Sangma besides others,” James claimed.
He also informed that this Presidential election is a repetition of the 1969 election where a similar situation prevailed. James said this Presidential election will play an important role in the upcoming Parliamentary election in 2014 and even suggested that PA Sangma’s win could lead to a mid-term poll.
He further mentioned that the nation is in a state of turmoil, and economy of India is very shaky and that there might probably be a split among political parties.
Wrapping up, James said this Presidential election has thrown all political parties off balance and the question that arises is whether a third regional front is in the offing.