NCP asks Sangma to opt out of Presidential race

The advice was given to Sangma by party general secretary D P Triparthi under instructions from party chief Sharad Pawar.

After meeting Sangma, Tripathi said, "I went to him (Sangma) and told him that the party will support UPA candidate in the presidential race".

The development came a day after Pawar met Sonia Gandhi and amid indications that the presidential election could become a keen affair with Mamata Banerjee pitching for A P J Abdul Kalam.

Sangma had yesterday said he remained a candidate for the post of the president and was in touch with all political parties to garner support.

"I am in the race, that is important. Since I am in the race, I do not like to comment on other candidates," he said and added there was nothing wrong in names being suggested for the post of President.

Sangma had also said he had been given to understand that NDA would discuss his candidature.

His candidature is being sponsored by AIADMK and the BJD.