BJD to continue supporting Sangma for presidency

Bhubaneswar, June 16 (IANS) Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal Saturday said its stand on supporting former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma's candidature for the 13th presidential election has remained unchanged.

"Sangma should be the best candidate for the post of president of India. He is the appropriate candidate," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told reporters here.

Describing Sangma as a "very distinguished person", the chief minister said there had been no change in his party's stand on the matter.

"I hold that position at this moment," he said after holding discussions for several hours with his party colleagues at his official residence.

Patnaik, who is also the chief of the party, last month proposed the name of Sangma after holding discussion with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jaylalithaa. He described Sangma as a distinguished tribal leader.