TURA: With as many as 79 Independents in the fray for the 29 GHADC seats that go to polls on Monday, political observers believe they (Independents) could play a crucial role in the formation of the next executive committee as no single party may get to the magical figure of 15.
Several constituencies are going to witness a direct fight between Independents and political parties.
Only Rongrong in North Garo Hills and Zikzak in South West Garo Hills district do not have Independent candidates in the fray this time.
The prestigious Tura constituency has the highest number of Independent candidates at seven with former deputy commissioner Arlene Maine N Sangma, former ANVC-B chairman Bernard Marak, Chris Kabul A Sangma, Clady R Marak, Dabo M Marak, Joyonto K Marak and Rupert M Sangma.
One of the main contenders and the only woman candidate from Tura, Mrs Arlene Maine Sangma has said that her aim is to bring about a positive change to the district council.
Those from the political parties hoping to make it to the council from Tura are Dulal Ch Sangma of the Congress, H. Jimmy Momin of the NPP and Tinash Ch Momin of the UDP.
Independents are said to be giving a tough fight to party candidates in the constituencies of Siju, Wagesik, Silkigre, Barengapara, Tura, Asanang, Balachanda, Batabari, Naguapara, Bolsong, and Darugre.
The two open seats in the plains belt- Balachanda and Shyamnagar have as many as seven Independents. In Balachanda three non-tribal candidates, including one from the Congress, are contesting, while in Shyamnagar there are four candidates, including one each from NPP and Congress.
