New Delhi: All the votes in Kerala, Tripura, Nagaland and Sikkim are likely to go in favour of UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee in the Presidential poll, leaving a blank for Opposition candidate Purno A Sangma.
The entire bunch of political parties, which have MPs and MLAs from these states, have officially announced support for Mukherjee though two parties CPI and RSP, which have lawmakers in Kerala and Tripura, have decided to abstain from voting. Lawmakers in Nagaland and Sikkim are likely to vote for Mukherjee while there will be absentions in Kerala and Tripura, where CPI and RSP have presence in the Assembly.
All the votes to be polled in these states will go to Mukherjee as the parties, including CPI-M, have pledged support for Mukherjee’s Presidential bid, save for some unlikely event of cross-voting.
Overall in the election, Mukherjee is likely to have a smooth ride with an assured support from parties which have a vote value of at least 6.50 lakh, much above the requisite figure of 5,49,442.
With NDA allies JD-U and Shiv Sena breaking ranks with BJP to support Mukherjee, the number on his rival side has dwindled and Sangma is likely to garner around 3.20 lakh. He can get 3.65 lakh votes more if Trinamool supports him. (PTI)
