The news that the AIADMK and the BJD back P.A. Sangma for President is not just great news but also a moment of victory for the tribals. National parties too must acknowledge the aspirations of the tribal people. It is a historic moment for the people of the northeast as it is the first time in Indian history that a tribal from the region will be in the race to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Electing Mr. Sangma as President will signal the true triumph of democracy and secularism.
Ph Lamlunlal Vaiphei,
New Delhi
Major political parties are holding their cards close to their chests. For the Congress, Pranab Mukherjee is not expendable; for the Opposition, he is not acceptable. Vice-President Hamid Ansari is not acceptable to many parties either. So a search for a person with a sound political background, well-versed in constitutional matters, is on. In the circumstances, all parties should endorse the candidature of Mr. Sangma. His being elected President will signal the inclusiveness of the minorities as Mr. Sangma is a Christian and hails from a tribal community.
K. Venkataraman,
Mumbai
Keywords: P.A. Sangma, presidential elections, Presidential polls, Congress, AIADMK, Pranab Mukherjee, BJD