Asserting that the 2012 would be a repetition of 1969 President polls, Sangma exuded confidence that the directive issued by the Election Commission of India restricting issuance of whip by any political party, would work in his favour.

Talking to media persons here this evening, the former Lok Sabha Speaker expressed his gratitude to the political parties which supported his candidature. They include the BJP, AGP, MNF, Mizoram People’s Conference, United Democratic Party of Meghalaya, Hill State People’s Democratic Party, Meghalaya, Manipur People’s Party and People’s Party of Arunachal Pradesh.

“Besides the parties which I have named, I can tell you that there are people who cannot support me openly but will vote for me,” he claimed.

“By contesting in the Presidential polls, I am articulating the aspiration of the North East, the tribal community and the Christian community residing in the country,” he opined, adding that he has received overwhelming support from all the States he had visited during his campaign.

Replying to a query, Sangma said that ‘it would be wrong to predict the fate of the election based on the number of MPs and MLAs the political parties have. It is an election through secret ballot and conscience votes may make its way.”

Sangma, however, deflected the question on whether UPA Minister and his daughter Agatha Sangma have promised her vote.

He also said that the complexion of the political scenario in India is changing with cracks evident in UPA, NDA and even Left camp.

Sangma further added that the President of India, no matter what, should always be sensitive to the issues of the country.

Sangma today also had a meeting with different political parties and MLAs who had promised support to his candidature.