New Delhi: Agatha Sangma could face the axe from the Union Council of Ministers if she campaigns for her father PA Sangma, who appears set to be the opposition candidate in the Presidential poll, a senior NCP leader said.
“If she campaigns, we will have no option but to show her the door,” a senior NCP leader said hours after PA Sangma resigned from the party. Sangma’s resignation comes a day ahead of the meeting of the NCP Parliamentary Board.
The remarks about Agatha came close on the heels of Congress leaving it to NCP to decide on any action against the young minister.
Reuters
“Congress is not going to advise the NCP on what to do about Agatha,” Congress spokesman Rashid Alvi said.
Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar accepted the resignation of PA Sangma with immediate effect and took steps to inform the Meghalaya Assembly Speaker about the development. Sangma is a member of the Meghalaya Assembly.
This is for the second time Sangma has parted ways with the NCP. He had earlier quit the NCP to join the Trinamool Congress ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. He returned to the NCP in 2007.
Agatha is a member of the Lok Sabha from Tura, a seat represented by her father several times.
NCP General Secretary DP Tripathi regretted that Sangma’s resignation from the party after assuring the NCP leadership of abiding by the decision to support UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee.
“It is unfortunate that Mr Sangma has gone back on his word. Ten days ago he had assured Mr Pawar in my presence and that of Tariq Anwar and Agatha Sangma that he would abide by the party decision on the issue of Presidential poll,” he said.
PTI
