Shillong, July 6: In a surprising turn of political events, TMC MLA H M Shangpliang was also present to show his support to Murmu. However, Shangpliang clarified to media persons that he came here on an invitation across party lines that many other MLAs from different parties have also been invited today.

“I have not come on behalf of the TMC, I have come as an individual and respecting the sentiments of a tribal identity of a woman who’s been nominated to the highest post of the country. I was invited to be part of this function and therefore I have come here and yes it is an honour to have Madam Draupadi Murmu as a candidate being a tribal woman and the first tribal woman to go and take the biggest seat of the country,” mentioned Shangpliang.

Asked if people will read it otherwise and think that he may jump ship to another party, Shangpliang said that he had no comments on that and it is up to the people how they interpret. “It’s upto you how you interpret where I would vote for but definitely I have come to pay my respect to the designate president, I should say she is already a designated president and it was an honour meeting her,” said Shangpliang.