From Our Correspondent
TURA: The general 47-Rajabala constituency in West Garo Hills district is witnessing dramatic changes in the pre-poll scenario with more candidates throwing their hats into the election ring even as one candidate has opted out of the contest and embraced the candidature of another contestant.
Independent candidate Abdus Shukar Sarkar of Bhaitbari, on Sunday gave up the electoral battle and endorsed his support and that of his followers to another Independent candidate and medical doctor Dr Azad Zaman.
Sarkar made the announcement during a meeting of his supporters at Kandergaon village.
The 36-year-old medical practitioner will now have to rough it out against nine other candidates for the Rajabala seat including against sitting MLA Sayedullah Nongrum (Congress).
Other candidates in the fray are Sophiur Rehman of Purno Sangma’s NPP, Dr Mizanur Rehman Kazi of the UDP, Rohibul Sarkar of the Samajwadi Party, Phillipson A Sangma of the BJP and Independents Ashahel D Shira, Soppur Mondol, Mahendraganj legislator Abdus Saleh and school principal Islam Haq Choudhury.
Dr Azad left his medical position in the Government after having worked in the Phulbari Community Health Centre for seven years.
“My decision to contest was basically to serve my people. Rajabala is in need of a lot of development which has been lacking. Our biggest problem is the annual floods and poor irrigation facilities,” said Dr Azad while speaking to the media on Monday after welcoming Abdus Sarkar into his fold.
