Pranab, Sangma to file Presidential nomination today

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is adopting a wait and watch policy while dealing with Agatha Sangma, formally one of its nominees in the Union council of ministers.

As minister of state for rural development, she is part of the UPA government; but is actively campaigning for the non-UPA Presidential candidate, Purno Sangma, her father. NCP sources say there are growing demands for having her dismissed, with party chief Sharad Pawar vocal in extending full support to coalition partner Congress and its Presidential candidate, Pranab Mukherjee.

The party will be closely watching her actions when Sangma files his nomination papers as a sponsored candidate of the oppositioon National Democratic Alliance tomorrow. An open show of support would be interpreted as a clear breach of party discipline, say sources.

About a fortnight before, when Sangma, till then an NCP member, had publicly announced his intention of contesting for the Presidential election, playing the trbal card, Pawar had clearly directed Agatha to stay away from campaigning for her father. She did not do so and was seen in Chhattisgarh rooting for her father, saying, "It will be a welcome gesture if tribal MPs, MLAs back Sangma."

The NCP does not want to appear vindictive, especially as it could have repercussions in the northeast, where the NCP has a support base. "Taking disciplinary action against her now or sacking her might win her public sympathy, as she is one of the youngest ministers in the UPA government," added the leader.

What the party will be looking at is whether Agatha accompanies her father when he goes to file his nomination papers. "That would be a clear case of indiscipline when the party has thrown its weight behind its UPA candidate, Pranab Mukherjee. In that situation, action can be taken against Agatha for indiscipline at the organisational level without ruffling any feathers, "explained the leader."