Presidential poll: Congress misusing power to ensure Pranab Mukherjee's win, says BJP

KOLKATA: BJP today alleged that Congress is misusing power to influence voting in the presidential elections and claimed the results will be surprising nevertheless.

"Some states are being given packages. That should not be used as a means to influence them. It should be ensured that power is not misused to influence voting," BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain told reporters here.

He questioned Home Minister P Chidambaram's statement raising concern over political clashes in West Bengal indicating that it might be a "threat" to get votes.

Asked about the chances of winning of BJP-backed presidential candidate P A Sangma, he claimed the results will leave everyone surprised.

"Even a UPA partner (Trinamool Congress) has not supported him (Pranab). The results of this presidential election will be surprising," he said.

On getting the support of Trinamool Congress for Sangma, the BJP leader said Mamata Banerjee will soon take a decision.

"It should be remembered that the election is not for a state or for any language. It is for the entire nation," Hussain said.

On CPI(M)'s support to Mukherjee's candidature, Hussain said Congress has always been close to Communists.