By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shocked and dejected at being denied ticket by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to contest the upcoming Assembly elections, Community and Rural Development Minister Saleng Sangma on Monday made a dash for New Delhi only to return back from Byrnihat.
“I was shocked when militant attacked my home and now I am shocked at the behavior of the party,” Sangma later told media persons here.
Sangma stated that his name had figured in the list till the eleventh hour but it was removed just before the list was sent to 10 Janpath for final approval.
He, further, asserted that he had got cent per cent approval of his candidature from the Block Congress as well as District Congress Committee.
Asked for reasons for denial of the party ticket, Sangma said that he was not aware of any, adding that till date he has remained a disciplined Congress worker. He also stated that he had trust in the Chief Minister and that was the reason why he had joined his team.
On possibilities of contesting the election from a different party, the C&RD Minister said he would go back to the people in his constituency and discuss the matter with them.
When asked if he would join Purno Sangma’s National People’s Party (NPP), he said, “I will listen to my people and my conscience on this matter.”
Meanwhile, Shillong MP Vincent Pala posted a comment on the social website Facebook asserting that the list was thoroughly examined by the Congress high command.
“The list of candidates is thoroughly examined by the high command this time and they took a strong stand. Hope to do well in the coming election,” the comment read.
Incidentally, MPCC working president Deborah Marak called up Sangma on Monday to console him.
It may be mentioned that the final list of Congress candidates was released by AICC general secretary Oscar Fernandes on Sunday night.