iring candidate for 51-South Tura, Jingjang M Marak to resign from the party and look to contest for the seat as an independent.
Marak had vied for the party ticket to contest the South Tura seat along with three other candidates. The Congress ticket for the constituency was allotted to Grithalson Arengh.
When contacted, Marak said that as he has been denied the ticket, it was time for him to move on in a new direction so that he can work on his own for the people of his constituency.
“At this point, my being with the party would be unthinkable as it would only put restrictions on the goals I have set for myself. I have made up my mind to take up various issues and will seek the mandate of the people as an independent candidate,” Marak said.
If elected, Marak said that he would be looking at the overall development of the area with special focus on youth and the economy among other issues.
According to Marak, the decision of the Congress to allot the ticket to Arengh could affect the party’s prospect in the elections as many of its supporters are unhappy with the move.
In South Tura, apart from Congress’ Grithalson Arengh, Marak will be contesting against sitting MLA, John Leslee K Sangma, who recently joined the NCP and former Tura MP and NPP’s Agatha K Sangma. Aspiring BJP candidate and fromer MLA, Billykid A Sangma will also be contesting for the seat if he is allotted the party ticket.