I'm very much in the presidential race: PA Sangma

Shillong: Former Lok Sabha speaker and Nationalist Congress Party leader PA Sangma on Thursday said he was very much in the race for the president's post.

"I'm still very much in the race as my name was supported by two powerful leaders of the country," Sangma told IANS on the phone.

Sangma's candidature has been supported by AIADMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and Biju Janata Dal chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

His candidature has been supported by Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

Sangma, who met several political leaders seeking support for his candidature, said he has made an appeal to meet leaders from various political parties for their support and blessings in his race to Raisina Hill.

Sangma also told a TV channel that he was also trying to garner support from more parties.

When asked if he would back his friend Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee if he was made the Congress's candidate, Sangma said: "Friendship is one thing and politics is other."

"So many names can come. I will not comment on that because I'm also one of the candidates. I have appealed for support from all political parties," he told the channel.

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