NCP hopeful on PA Sangma opting out from Presidential poll

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding P A Sangma insisting that he is still in the Presidential race, the NCP today expressed confidence that he will opt out and support UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee.

"We have full faith in Sangma that he will fulfil the promise of abiding by the party decision and support the UPA candidate Pranab Mukherjee in the Presidential Election 2012," NCP General Secretary D P Tripathi told reporters here.

Sangma, against his party decision, has been pressing for his candidature in the Presidential polls on the grounds of being a tribal candidate.

Last week, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had sent an emissary to Sangma with an advise to withdraw from the Presidential race.

Party sources said that Sangma could face disciplinary action if he goes ahead with his candidature.

They said his daughter Agatha Sangma, Minister of State for Rural Development, could be dropped from the Union Council of Ministers.

Earlier, NCP had warned Agatha against campaigning for her father.