Sangma's resignation will not have any impact on Meghalaya NCP

Sangma, who is keen on contesting the upcoming Presidential election, put in his papers today after the NCP urged him to pull out of the race and support Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the UPA candidate put up by the Congress.

"Sangma had resigned at his personal level and hence will not have any impact on the membership of the NCP in Meghalaya," Conrad, NCP leader and also P A Sangma's son told PTI.

"He (Sangma) had to quit the NCP because the UPA (including the NCP) are not supporting his cause as a tribal candidate and a candidate who represents the minority and the Christians", Conrad told PTI.

Sangma was a founding member of the NCP. His resignation has been accepted by NCP chief Sharad Pawar with immediate effect.

NCP has 14 MLAs in the Meghalaya Assembly here with Sangma as one of the MLAs and his son, Conrad Sangma, as the Leader of Opposition.

Asked what will be his fate as an MLA, Conrad said his father would also tender his resignation letter to Speaker Charles Pyngrope soon.

When contacted, Pyngrope said he will decide on the further course of action on Sangma's candidature only after receiving formal intimation from him.