Sangma gets less than expected votes from MPs

New Delhi  :  P. A. Sangma, whose candidature for the presidential elections was backed by key opposition parites, not only pulled less than expected votes in some Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states but also among MPs.

Sangma, who had the backing of parties such as the BJP, AIADMK, Asom Gana Parishad, Biju Janata Dal and Shiromani Akali Dal, got the backing of 206 MPs. The combined strength of the five parties in the two houses of parliament stands at 208.

Before the polling July 19, Sangma had claimed support of 18 parties including the Mizo National Front.

UPA presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee got backing of 527 MPs. Fifteen votes were declared invalid.