125 MLAs vote in Assam in Prez poll

The only MLA who remained absent from the voting was Asom Gana Parishad's Sahidul Alam Choudhury, who is currently unwell.

Rajya Sabha MP and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhubaneshwar Kalita also voted in Guwahati.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee was sure to secure votes of at least 111 MLAs from the state.

"We are sure of votes from 111 MLAs for Mukherjee. There will be no cross voting in favour of P A Sangma. In fact, we expect more votes for Mukherjee," he told reporters after casting his ballot.

"Mukherjee has a long association with Assam. He has a long and illustrious career and is best fitted for the President's post," he added.

 

Gogoi was the first to cast his vote this morning at the Assam state assembly complex.

Among the parties supporting Mukherjee in the state are Congress with 78 MLAs, All India United Democratic Front (18 MLAs), Bodoland Peoples' Front (12), Trinammol Congress (one) and two independents.

In Sangma's favour were AGP with 10 MLAs and the Bharatiya Janata Party with five.

"We have supported Sangma as he is a representative of the people of North East. He has played a major role in the politics of the country," AGP chief Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said.