BJP senior leader Sushma Swaraj has said that TMC president Mamata Banerjee to extend her support to Sangma as presidential candidate. She said, since Abdul Kalam whom she (Mamata) supported backed out from presidential race, Mamata should support northeast's efficient leader and former Lok Sabha speaker Sangma. Sushma Swaraj has also said that Sangma would soon talk to Mamata Banerjee and seek her support.

Meanwhile, sources said that Congress is still hopeful that Mamata would take a U turn and support Pranab Mukherjee. It may be noted that Sangma is being backed by BJP of NDA while other allies of NDA including Shivasena are opposted to Sangma's candidature. Also, in BJP, Maneka Gandhi has extended her support to Pranab Mukherjee.

(AW Phani)