Chief Ministers of Odisha and Tamil Nadu, Naveen Patnaik and Jayalalithaa, who have lately come together on issues of federalism and met last week in Chennai, announced their support to the 65-year-old tribal leader from north-east.
"I think Mr Sangma ought to be candidate for the highest post for the Rashtrapati Bhavan," he told reporters in Bhubhaneswar, adding he has had discussions with Jayalalithaa on the issue.
Shortly later, the AIAIDMK chief issued a statement in Chennai saying her party has decided to support the candidature of Sangma for the highest office after "due consideration".
Recalling Sangma's May 15 meeting with her, Jayalalithaa said he "not only belongs to a tribal community but is also eminently qualified to be the President of our great nation."
Sangma, who has been campaigning for a tribal President, thanked the two parties for the decision but NCP chief Sharad Pawar pleaded ignorance about the development.
"I am not aware of any such development. Sangma has not spoken to us. We have had no discussions. We feel that with such a limited strength, we cannot aspire for such a major post," Pawar told PTI.
Sangma himself said he was not lobbying as an NCP leader but in his personal capacity.
This is the first announcement by any political parties to back a particular candidate for the Presidential polls scheduled in July. MORE
