By Philip Marwein
I have gone through the article, “Tura By-Poll: A two way Contest” scripted by regular columnist, Albert Thyrniang, (ST April 27 2016). This piece of analysis on 2-Tura Parliamentary Constituency By-Election provides a clear indication and direction as to which way the election winds will blow and who is likely to go to the Lok Sabha to represent the western sector of Meghalaya. It is indeed a fact that the main contest will be between Conrad K. Sangma of NPP and Dikkanchi Shira of INC. It is up to the 6, 22, 189 odd voters whom they would prefer to vote. However, I do not mean to belittle other candidates who may be in the fray.
On merit, comparing the two main contestants as individuals, whom would the people of Garo Hills place their confidence, on – Conrad Sangma or on Dikkanchi Shira? Opinion collected from a wide range of people outside Garo Hills suggests that Conrad Sangma has got more merit and would be a better choice than Dikkanchi Shira to go to the Lok Sabha. But that may not be so for the voters of Garo Hills. However, even in the Achik land individual merits may be one of the major factors in the Election. But during elections many camouflaging and distracting factors are at play which digress voters from clear cut consideration and the main issues. Both candidates have their own merits and demerits as well as pluses and minuses which the voters down there know very well. Who of the two has better public relations and communications skills with the common masses at the grass root level which Purno Sangma had? Who of the two can come down to the level of the common people, freely mix with them, identify themselves with them and share their good and bad times, be with them in sorrows and pain which late Purno Sangma did?
In the Tura Parliamentary constituency, MLAs are more in INC camp than in NPP whereas, MDCs are a bit more in NPP. Again, we do not know what kind of tune these representatives will play to voters during this election. We also cannot predict exactly whether the voters will dance to MLAs/MDCs tunes and obey their voices or not. Sympathy will also play quite a role in influencing the verdict. But whatever be the case, we cannot underestimate the people of Achik land who are known to be very conscious, intelligent and united when it comes to choosing their leader. Further, as experienced in the past, the turn-out of voters is less during M.P elections as compared to MLA elections. This election is held at the time when the people of Garo Hills, especially the Jhummias, are busy in the fields for cultivation. However, it all depends on the ability of the candidates, canvassers and party workers on motivating the voters to vote.
Here, I will not go into the various winning prospects of the candidates but I just want to point out only one pertinent fact. This By-Poll is the contest between Conrad K. Sangma and Dr. Mukul Sangma. The reason is because Dr. Mukul wants to take complete control all openings to Delhi and in the state. His wife, Dikkanchi Shira, may be contesting from the INC, yet it was only after his final say in the MPCC election Committee that her name was forwarded. The highest stakes of this By-Poll therefore, is for both Conrad and Dr. Mukul, not for Dikkanchi. It is their electoral tussle and it is a do or die battle, especially for Conrad to be relevant in the political arena. If Conrad wins then his future political prospects will be brighter and he will inherit the rich political legacy of his worthy father and NPP will survive in the near future. If Conrad loses then his political future is uncertain. If Dikkanchi wins then Dr. Mukul will become the undisputed leader of Garo Hills the status gained by (late) Capt. W.A.Sangma and Purno A. Sangma. Besides, none of the Congress bigwigs of Meghalaya will dare anymore to challenge his leadership and AICC may reward him abundantly. In fact, after the death of Purno Sangma, the undisputed leader of the Garo Hills ought to have been Dr. Mukul Sangma, at least people from other parts of Garo Hills think so.
Dr. Mukul has done quite well and is capable as CM during last six years of his tenure. But the people of Garo Hills, somehow till today, are a bit hesitant to place him in that status. Why and what is preventing them from recognising him as their undisputed leader? Only the people of Garo Hills know better. If Dikkanchi loses this contest she does not lose much, except finance, as she is already an MLA. For Dr. Mukul, apart from reputation, he stands to lose not much as he is already holding the reins of power as undisputed CM of Meghalaya.
With regard to issues during this election, the protracted law and order problems in Garo Hills, lack of development and youth unemployment during the last six years, are in the hearts and minds of the people. These will affect badly the polls prospects of the ruling INC there. But, perhaps, with political tactics and strategies combined with money power these issues may be relegated to the back burner. Dr. Mukul will leave no stone unturned and with his political acumen and genius the impossible may become possible. However, in the end, the wise decision of the Garo Hills’ voters will have the last say to decide the candidates’ political fate.