SHILLONG, JULY 6: Opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) legislator from Mawsynram Himalaya Shangpliang on Wednesday asserted the need to rise above party politics.

Shangpliang was one among the public representatives from the state who met BJP-led NDA nominee for the presidential election Draupadi Murmu during her visit at the Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam.

When asked if the AITC is supporting her candidature, Shangpliang however said, “We are from a tribal state and I feel we should rise above (party) politics. I have not come here to do politics but to express my solidarity with Draupadi.”

He said that today’s meeting was not about canvassing but to meet the public representatives of the state.

“She (Draupadi) has urged all 60 legislators to vote in her favour. She will be the first tribal woman (to be president of the country),” the AITC MLA said.

He however said now it will depend on the decision of the legislators.

Meanwhile, Shangpliang said that he could not attend the recent maiden visit of the AITC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee because his aunty passed away. “I have informed the leaders of the party,” he said.

Shangpliang also denied any move to join other political parties and said, “I am still AITC MLA.”