"As we did not have any pre-poll alliance with any party, we are independent to take a decision on whom to vote. Even after formation of the government, there had been some elections and (the allies) nominated their respective candidates," AJSU party spokesman Dev Sharan Bhagat told PTI.
Commenting on senior BJP leader Raghuvar Das showing disappointment over ruling allies not having unanimity in some matters despite being in the government, Bhagat said the government would not be affected due to voting or nominating candidates in bypolls by any ally.
"It would have been a different matter had there been a consensus over the choice of candidate. Had they (BJP) consulted us before announcing candidate for the presidential polls? Had they brought it before the state coordination committee? It's not proper to select a candidate and then thrust him (upon the allies)," Bhagat said.
He was hinting at BJP's national leadership deciding to field P A Sangma as candidate and then asking the allies to support their choice.
To a media query after casting his vote, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Raghuvar Das said ideologies of parties were not considered during formation of government as a government was formed in the state's interest. (MORE)