From our Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG, July 17: Meghalaya NCP legislators huddling around PA Sangma during his Presidential campaigns should not be construed as a breach of party discipline. On Sunday, Meghalaya NCP legislators were seen around the Presidential aspirant.

However, NCP leader Conrad K Sangma told newsmen here that the legislators were present to show solidarity with a tribal candidate and a leader from the Northeast. Asked on whether it was a breach of the party discipline, Conrad K Sangma stated, “The central leadership of the party has not issued any whip and our presence has nothing to do with the conscientious voting that the constitution has guaranteed us”.

Conrad K Sangma, also a leader of the opposition (LO) in the Meghalaya State legislative assembly was present with nearly eight NCP MLAs during the press conference. Stating that the Meghalaya NCP legislators were accompanying PA Sangma by virtue of the pride, of having a tribal and a Northeasterner vying for the coveted post, the NCP leader categorically stated that all his legislators will vote as per their conscience in the July 19 Presidential elections.

Going by the interaction with the NCP elected representatives, it is almost out of question to toe the central leadership directive to support Mukherjee. “We cannot dump our leader who shaped our political career”, stated a NCP legislator, adding, “It is obvious which way our vote will go”.

Meanwhile another source told The Sentinel that a dinner meeting has been arranged with the UDP and HSPDP by PA Sangma’s family in Shillong on Wednesday.