NCP asks Sangma to opt out of Presidential race

Making it clear that it is firmly behind the United Progressive Alliance candidate in the Presidential race, the Nationalist Congress Party has told former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma not to press for his candidature in the polls.

The advice was given to Sangma by party general secretary D P Triparthi under instructions from party chief Sharad Pawar.

After meeting Sangma, Tripathi said, "I went to him (Sangma) and told him that the party will support UPA candidate in the presidential race".

The development came a day after Pawar met Sonia Gandhi and amid indications that the presidential election could become a keen affair with Mamata Banerjee pitching for A P J Abdul Kalam.

Sangma had on Thursday said he remained a candidate for the post of the president and was in touch with all political parties to garner support.

"I am in the race, that is important. Since I am in the race, I do not like to comment on other candidates," he said and added there was nothing wrong in names being suggested for the post of President.

Sangma had also said he had been given to understand that National Democratic Alliance would discuss his candidature.

His candidature is being sponsored by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Biju Janata Dal.