TURA: Victorious NPP candidate P A. Sangma was at his wittiest best on Friday, returning the compliments to Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for the latter’s ‘dying man’s wish’ remark.
“Mukul said my contesting this elections was that of a dying man’s wish, but unfortunately I am still living so what to do,” asked the former Lok Sabha speaker after his victory.
When asked about the difficulties faced by him during the campaign given that he had only two party MLAs, Purno replied that he had to fight against the entire state machinery including a large number of Congress MLAs and MDCs.
“I had to fight against false propaganda, false promises, the entire state machinery, 30 to 40 MLAs and MDCs of the Congress. He (Mukul) was going for campaign by helicopter and I was going in a wheel chair. That was the difference,” he jokingly remarked.
Acknowledging the peoples’ support for him and his party, Purno Sangma said that they had always reposed faith in him. When pointed out on the considerable percentage of votes polled in his favour in the minority dominated areas he said that this was because they wanted a change.
“The minority community wants safety and peace because the people have realized the situation is going from bad to worse, that is why they have come out in big numbers to support me,” he said.
He also pointed out that he would draw the attention of the new government at the Centre to the politician-militant nexus. “The issue of Mukul Sangma’s links with militant outfits will be pursued vigorously. I have already discussed the topic with Narendra Modi in my meeting with him last week,” said P A Sangma.
He dismissed claims of a sole BJP government at Delhi, recalling his meeting with Modi where the latter had reiterated that all the NDA allies would be brought aboard in the new government.
When asked about his possibility of returning as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, P A Sangma responded that once was more than enough.
Daryl congratulates Purno
Congress candidate Daryl William Cheran Momin has congratulated his opponent and NPP candidate Purno A Sangma on the latter’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections from Tura constituency.
“It was a good fight and I gave my best. It is a public mandate and We have to accept it,” said Daryl in a brief interaction with the media at his home in Tura shortly after the results were declared.
While lauding his opponent he hoped that Mr Sangma would keep up his promises of working for the betterment of Garo Hills.
“People wanted change and there was a huge Modi wave. They also did good marketing and publicity which ultimately paid off. I will be happy if they work for the people,” said Daryl.
Encouraged with the votes he secured in his maiden election contest, Daryl informed that he would continue to work for the people of Garo Hills. “One does not have to be a winner to work for the people,” said Daryl.
AAP candidate Armerington Kharshiing also congratulated Vincent H Pala on his victory. “I respect the peoples’ mandate in electing him as the Member of Parliament representing the Shillong Parliament Seat,” he said.