Sangma says loss won’t end career

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Purno A. Sangma, the presidential candidate backed by the BJP, BJD and AIADMK, on Sunday tried to play down the BJP’s 'anti-Christian' stance, and in response to a question on that party’s alleged role in Orissa’s Kandhamal killings, asked: “”Where is the proof that the BJP has done it?”

Mr Sangma, who plans to file his nomination papers here on June 28, is hoping a 'miracle' will enable him to win. In a television interview, he said 'religious problems are there everywhere', and that 'forgiveness is the essence of Christianity'.

He brushed aside speculation that Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee was refusing to meet him, saying: “I have requested time. I’m waiting for her reply.”

On whether Mr A. Sangma’s support from the BJP contradicted the principles for which he stood for, Mr Sangma said, “India is a large democracy.”

Mr Sangma brushed aside reports that it was 'wrong' on his part to contest the presidential poll against odds and negated suggestions that the move would end his political career.

“There is no end to a political career. I am just 65 now. I don’t need to join a political party to contest...
My margin never goes down, it always goes up,” he said.

He said it was not his obsession to contest for President but his right to assert. “I am only asserting my right as a citizen of India... as a tribal... as a person coming from the north-eastern region.”

Brushing aside as 'speculation', reports of Ms Mamata Banerjee denying him time to meet, he said, “I have requested for time. I am waiting for the reply. I will (get time). Still there is time. It’s almost one month left (for the poll).”

He denied being used a 'tool' by the BJP to win over other political allies or by Mr Naveen Patnaik to woo 25 per cent tribals in Orissa. “Not at all,” he said. He, however, suggested that even media is playing as a tool in someone’s hands and said, “We are all tools. You are a tool for someone. I am a tool for someone. Don’t bring in these petty things.”