As there's a growing demand for Agatha Sangma's ouster from the UPA, party is likely to take a call on her at a meeting to be held at NCP chief's residence today
Her father’s influence was instrumental in getting her a ticket to the 14th Lok Sabha at a very young age. Owing to his political links, she became the youngest minister of state in the union cabinet. But now, her father PA Sangma’s ambition to make it to the Rashtrapati Bhavan may cost Agatha heavily.
Bumpy ride: Agatha is the minister of state for rural development. She is also a lawyer, an environmentalist and an amateur photographer. File Pics
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According to sources, the young MP could be shown the door, as the NCP leadership is quite upset with senior Sangma’s decision of contesting the presidential poll against the United Progressive Alliance’s candidate Pranab Mukherjee. Besides, there’s a growing demand from various quarters for the ouster Agatha as well.
Pulled up?
“A few days ago Agatha was even reprimanded by the NCP leadership for lobbying for her father’s candidature. As her father, who is also her political mentor, is in the fray, it would be difficult for her to be impartial,” the source said.
He added that the party is likely to take a final call on her today during a meeting, which will be held at Union Agriculture Minister and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar’s residence in New Delhi.
After Sangma announced his resignation from the party yesterday, it was immediately accepted by the NCP chief. Pawar’s tough stand could be seen as an indicator of impending action that Agatha too may have to face.
However, NCP General Secretary DP Tripathi denied any possibility of harsh action that the party may take against her. He said, “Such things keep happening. Agatha is very much with us and there’s no question of Agatha quitting.”
Though Agatha Sangma was not available for comments, her close confidante told MiD DAY that there is no way that Agatha would quit the UPA. “What if her father is contesting election? Check the archive and you’ll find several such examples,” he added.
The Congress party refused to lend any advice to its junior partner in the UPA. “We are not going to direct the NCP on what to do about Agatha,” said Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi.
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