Prez poll: Sangma challenges Pranab for debate

After receiving support from Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and other allies of National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Biju Janta Dal (BJD) supported former Speaker of Lok Sabha P A Sangma Friday dared United Progressive Alliance (UPA) promoted Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for facing a debate with him.

Citing 'Democracy needs debate', Sangma is confident over his win on the basis of his tribal identity and people's conscience vote. P A Sangma who has recently resigned from the primary candidature of National Congress Party (NCP) has challenged government for increasing corruption and worsening economic meltdown situation.

Asking over the chances of his victory, Sangma said he is working hard and trying to approach everyone for asking support to him. He said, he is approaching to Mamata Banerjee, who had promoted the name of former President APJ Abdul Kalam and to Bal Thackrey, Supremo Shiv Sena, who showed his reluctance to support Sangma.

"The election (for Presidency) will be held by a secret ballot. Secret ballot means conscience vote. I depend on conscience vote and I believe in conscience vote," he said.