TURA: Newly elected Lok Sabha member from Tura, Conrad K. Sangma, has termed the peoples’ mandate for his candidature as a befitting tribute to his late father.
Speaking to journalists outside the counting hall, the 38 year old younger son of Late P.A. Sangma expressed his gratitude to the voters and supporters of Garo Hills and recalled his father’s memory.
“This is a befitting tribute paid to my late father. I have no one other than the people of Garo Hills, my party and supporters and the Almighty God to thank,” said the new MP.
As he arrived at the counting venue where a landslide victory was taking place and history was being created, Conrad went up to his mother, Soradini K Sangma, and younger sister Agatha K. Sangma, who were waiting for him, and hugged one another.
The air was emotionally charged as tears trickled down. Both mother and daughter were at a loss for words. Conrad hugged and consoled his mother as people walked up to him and shook his hand.
“It was a vote for my father. I can’t take credit for it,” said Conrad and expressed his profound gratitude to the political parties BJP, GNC, UDP, HSPDP, KHNAM and their voters and workers for working alongside him in this election.
He was also magnanimous in his victory and reconciliatory in his statement on his opponent and Congress candidate Dikkanchi D. Shira.
“It was a tough fight and she fought well. Many things were said by both sides. Now we need to work together for a better Garo Hills and help improve the lives of our people,” said Conrad.
He said that some of the issues were dear to him particularly that of the youth and the rising unemployment, farmers and teachers plight, NREGS, law and order et al.
“I would like to urge upon all political parties to work together keeping in mind the interests of the people of Garo Hills,” added Conrad.