Modi bats for ‘clean,innocent’ Sangma

“Tribals of the country are waiting for a tribal in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Fourteen parties have supported him and I believe that miracles do happen today,” he said. “The sun rises in the east and the time has come that Sangmaji,who hails from North-East,becomes the first tribal President… We wish an innocent tribal leader be the First Citizen of India,” Modi added.

Sangma,who was “overwhelmed” by the colourful reception he got right from his landing at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport where Sidi tribals and others performed,avoided speaking on his candidature at the function.

Later,at a press conference,he said,“I have come hear to request all the tribals,Dalits,OBCs and minority MLAs from all the parties to support my candidature like they had supported the first SC President,K R Narayan.”

Sangma once again challenged UPA Presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee for an open debate on various issues on the lines of US Presidential elections. “Mr Mukherjee is shying away from debating,which shows he is not interested in serious issues of the country,” he said.

“Pranab Mukherjee admitted that the President has no role in policy making and only plays the role of a rubber stamp. The country is passing through its worst time and the First Citizen cannot sit idle…” he added.

The Presidential election is scheduled for July 19.