Roy rejects Meira’s claim

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JULY 5:  The claim of Opposition’s presidential nominee, Meira Kumar that the United Democratic Party (UDP) has pledged support for her candidature, got killed within few minutes after her campaign, as Leader of Opposition, Donkupar Roy, rebuff her claim, and declared that in a presidential poll, “it is better to go by the winner.”

Soon after her campaign in the state, Meira declared that she has managed to get the support of both the ruling and opposition sides as the Leader of Opposition has announced his support to her.

“One thing unique which has happened here in Shillong, Meghalaya is the ex-CM who is presently the Leader of Opposition has also announced that he is supporting me,” Meira told reporters.

“In Meghalaya I am getting the support from both the sides and they should act as an example to other states,” she added.

Earlier during her address, Meira also said that it was encouraging for her to find that the Leader of Opposition is with us. “I am grateful the House is with us. People are with us and with our ideology that we are following,” she said.

However, the Leader of Opposition and chief of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Donkupar Roy has categorically denied of having given any assurance to support the Congress nominee for the July 17 presidential election.

“To say that we have agreed to vote for her (Meira) is very wrong as we had gone there to listen on what she has to say and her approach towards the election. In fact, we are also going to meet the NDA nominee Ram Nath Govind during his campaign in the state,” Roy told reporters.

He said that party has also decided to attend today’s campaign as a mark of respecting the invitation extended by the Congress party.

The UDP chief also informed that the eight MLAs will meet to decide as to who should they support and accordingly announce their decision before July 17.

Asked, Roy, while reminding that MLAs are just voters, said, “In my personal opinion, voters have to elect a candidate who has more chance of winning,” adding “It goes the same for the presidential election as it is important for the state especially relating to various Bills.”