Prospect very good, support from some Cong. Men likely: Sangma

"Since there is no restriction, whip or any written direction in this election, I am hopeful of getting support of many MLAs and MPs. Therefore, my prospect in the elections is very good," Sangma told reporters after meeting MLAs and MPs of the ruling BJD and opposition BJP.

The former Lok Sabha speaker claimed 18 political parties were already backing his candidature and said he was expecting support from some Congressmen too.

"Eighteen political parties have given commitment to support me. Some parties are likely to announce their decision in a day or two while others may not announce at all. We hope they will vote for us," Sangma said addressing MPs and MLAs of the ruling BJD here.

On whether he expects support of Congress MPs and MLAs, he said, "Naturally, I hope so."

"What you see is only black and white. Things are different because there can be no restriction on voters. This election is above party line. I am hopeful that MLAs and MPs will vote for me according to their conscience and not on the party line," he said explaining how he hoped to win despite having support of only 38 per cent in the electoral college.

On Trinamool Congress, Sangma said, "Mamata Banerjee had already said her party would participate in the elections. She will make known whom to support in two to three days. I am hopeful of getting her party's support."

Asked to elaborate on his calculation of a repeat of the 1969 presidential polls, Sangma said that the Election Commission of India had already issued a circular saying that anybody who puts restrictions, whip or written order to voters can be prosecuted under section 171 of the IPC.

This election is witnessing a different political formation where Congress-Communists, Mulayam-Mayawati, BJD-BJP are voting for one candidate. While JD(U) and Shiv Sena have disassociated from NDA in this poll, TMC had also expressed its reservation over the UPA's candidate, he pointed out. (MORE)