Sangma seeks Mamata's support; Trinamool non-committal

Presidential candidate P A Sangma on Tuesday met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to seek Trinamool Congress' support in the election for the top post.

But the party remained non-committal, saying there was "no hurry" to take a decision.

"I have come here to request for the support of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. I am very happy about the outcome of the discussion. I am going back with a lot of hope of support of Mamatadi and Trinamool Congress," he told reporters.

Claiming that Trinamool Congress, a United Progressive Alliance ally, has not taken a final decision on the Presidential poll, Sangma, who is being backed by the AIDMK, Biju Janata Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party, said that the party would inform him about its decision "within a few days."

"We had a good discussion. I want to thank the chief minister and other leaders for giving me time," he said.

Sangma, who recently quit the Nationalist Congress Party, said, "When I had to leave the party in 2004, that time Mamatadi had helped me. This time I am expecting that she will render all help and support me."

Flanked by Sangma at the state secretariat, Railway Minister and TMC leader Mukul Roy told the media, "The election is far away. After discussion within our party, we will let you know our decision."

Pressed further on the party's stand, he said, "There is time, so there is no hurry to take a decision at this stage. We will take the party into confidence."