TURA: Failure to get a party ticket has compelled aspiring Congress candidate from South Tura, Jingjang M Marak to resign from the party and contest the seat as an Independent candidate.
Marak vied for the party ticket to contest the South Tura seat but the ticket was allotted to Grithalson Arengh.
When contacted, Marak said that as he had been denied ticket, it was time for him to move on in a new direction so that he could work on his own for 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,” he said.
If elected, Marak said that he would focus on the overall development of the area with emphasis on the economy and the youth among other issues. According to Marak, the party’s decision to allot the ticket to Arengh could affect its prospect as many 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 former MLA Billykid A Sangma will also be contesting the seat if allotted a ticket.
