TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday refused to support BJD backed PA Sangma in the presidential race, TV reports said.
This may be a setback for NDA if they take decision of backing PA Sangma as presidential candidate.
According to reports, senior BJP leader LK Advani is in
favour of a contest and has reportedly been told by AIADMK Chief Jayalalithaa to support PA Sangma.
Sources in the BJP said there was a view in the party that there should be a contest, whether it is by backing P A Sangma, the nominee of AIADMK and BJD, or by supporting Kalam, whose candidature is being pushed by Trinamool Congress.
With the possibility of Kalam contesting virtually ruled out, the NDA may plump for Sangma as it may help it win back allies like AIADMK and BJD who were earlier part of the coalition.
BJD and AIADMK is backing PA Sangma as its presidential candidate.