NCP leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma backed his party chief Sharad Pawar for the post of prime minister,saying he is "the most development-oriented" leader. "Due to my close association with the affairs in New Delhi,I practically know all the leaders well. I can certify that Sharad Pawar is the most development-oriented leader and there is nothing wrong if he aspires to be PM," Sangma told reporters in Shillong on late Monday night. Sangma,a nine-time MP,said though Pawar is not in the race now,but anything might happen. "Even Manmohan Singh or I K Gujral was not in race," he said. Sangma postpones hunger strike NCP leader P A Sangma on Tuesday postponed his proposed hunger strike "on request" of non-Congress party leaders. "Non-Congress party leaders who I met in Guwahati asked me reconsider the decision to sit on a hunger strike. Parties from Nagaland,Manipur and Assam said they wanted my service and this was the time to fight and go vigorously against Congress," Sangma told reporters here before leaving for New Delhi. The former Lok Sabha speaker has been trying to garner support to his protest against President Rule in Meghalaya. Meanwhile,claiming that MPA would return to power soon,former Meghalaya Chief Minister and United Democratic Party president Donkupar Roy said MPA has decided to hold a rally to discuss the political situation on March 28. "We will hold a peaceful rally to discuss the current political crisis and seek permission from the administration," he said in the backdrop of East Khasi Hills district authorities imposing prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in the district. On Monday,MPA had filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the "unconstitutional" imposition of Central rule in Meghalaya. Noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani is handling the case for MPA. The alliance was also contemplating to file another petition in the apex court challenging Gauhati High Court's order to stay the suspension of two of the five MLAs prior to the trust vote in Meghalaya.
