TURA/ SHILLONG: With nomination papers being filed, both the Congress and the NPP have now fanned out to their rural support bases to consolidate their respective positions ahead of the May 16 by-election.
Congress candidate Dikkanchi D. Shira toured Rangsakona, constituency of brother-in-law Zenith M. Sangma, on Thursday to meet with her party workers and supporters.
Her husband and Chief Minister Mukul Sangma was at Raksamgre, constituency of sitting Congress legislator Limison D. Sangma, on a similar exercise.
Congress sources inform that extensive campaigning by the party would begin from May 1, a day after withdrawal and scrutiny of the candidates’ papers by the returning officer.
NPP candidate Conrad Sangma, in the meantime, has moved forward with his election campaign and on Thursday held public meetings at Jengjal, Rombagre and Chandigre which fall under Dadenggre assembly segment currently represented by his brother and NPP legislator James K. Sangma.
NPP candidate Conrad K Sangma while addressing the public spoke about the legacy of his late father and highlighted the developmental agenda that his father had for Garo Hills which he said would be carried forward by him.
The NPP, in the meantime, has decided to stick to positive campaigning mode in the run-up to the by-election.
NPP president Conrad on Thursday said the party will neither blame anyone nor would it indulge in any negative campaigning.
“We are not here to talk negative about anybody,” he said.
Reacting to a query, he said the contributions of (L) Purno Sangma for Garo Hills is an important favour and now the party will try to take forward all visions and ideas of the late leader for the Garo Hills and its people.
The NPP candidate admitted that no one can accurately predict an election outcome, but he expressed confidence that he would win saying that he has got positive reactions from the public on his candidature.
Asked if ‘money power’ would play a role in the by-election, Conrad said money power will not work this time since the sentiments of the people are strong. “Money will not be able to change the mindset of the people,” he added.
The Tura by-poll will be held on May 16 while counting of votes will take place three days later.
