Presidential poll was not fair: Sangma

New Delhi: Putting up a brave face after losing the Presidential polls, PA Sangma on Sunday congratulated Pranab Mukherjee but alleged that money power played a big role in his loss. Accusing the UPA of indulging in unfair practices he said that the election was not fair and the country had lost a great opportunity to elect a tribal President. "Election process was exceptionally partisan and political through economic and other packages, inducements and threats," he said.

"I might have lost the elections but nation also lost an opportunity to project a tribal as President. I thank Pranab Mukherjee for winning the Presidential poll," he told reporters.

"There is compelling need for establishing an election code of conduct in Presidential elections. Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections should have a code of conduct," he said, when asked to clarify on his statement that the elections needed to be made fair. He said that several states were given financial packages.

Accusing the UPA of indulging in unfair practices he said that the country had lost a great opportunity to elect a tribal President.

On asked if he will go to the court, he said, "We are meeting in a few days to discuss all these issues. We knew that there was a problem in Karnataka. Results also show in many places there was cross voting."

Sangma also thanked AIADMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for their support. "I thank BJP, Akali Dal, BJP, AIADMK, BJD and all others who supported me in the election," he said.

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