or the February 27 assembly polls, the scene outside the deputy commissioners’ offices in the five districts of Garo Hills has begun to witness a carnival of sorts with flag-bearing and slogan-shouting supporters thronging the venue to boost the morale of their candidates who head inside to file their papers.
As many as thirty-three candidates filed their nomination for different constituencies in the Garo Hills region. West Garo Hills had the largest number of thirteen candidates, North and East Garo Hills had seven candidates each while South and South West Garo Hills districts witnessed three candidates each filing their papers.
Prominent among the candidates to file their nomination papers were Congress heavyweight and Education Minister Deborah C Marak for Williamnagar (Rongrenggre) constituency in East Garo Hills and senior NPP leader and Late P A Sangma’s elder son James Pangsang K Sangma for Dadenggre seat. Both Deborah and James are seeking to retain their constituencies which they won in 2013.
The scene outside the DC office in Tura had a vibrant feel to it as supporters of the regional United Democratic Party with their flag draped in red, green and white bearing the picture of the drum filled the premises with their decibels.
Other prominent candidates who filed their papers were Congress candidate and Bajengdoba MLA Brigady Marak, Mendipathar legislator Marthon Sangma (Congress), Kharkutta MLA Cherak Momin (Congress), GHADC MDC Ismail Marak (Congress) for Dadenggre, Former deputy chief minister and Ex MLA Timothy D Shira (NPP) for Resubelpara, former Congress legislator Frankenstein W Momin (NPP) for Mendipathar, and sitting GHADC MDC Rightious Sangma (NCP) for Salmanpara.
In West Garo Hills the other candidates who filed their nomination were Dr Mizanur Kazi (NPP) for Rajabala, GHADC MDC Jimberth Goera Marak (GNC) for Gambegre, former civil service officer Mrs. Ferlin C A Sangma (NPP) for Selsella, UDP’s Utpal Arengh for North Tura, Kris Kabul A Sangma (UDP) for Selsella, Nilkamal Sangma (UDP) for Tikrikilla, Sengkal A Sangma (UDP) for Dalu, Ms. Anamika G Momin and Brinbal Sangma ( both Independents) in South Tura, Adamkid Sangma and Sengman Marak (both Independents) for North Tura.
In East Garo Hills, besides Deborah Marak, those who filed their nominations for the upcoming contest were Arun N Marak (UDP) for Songsak, three Independent candidates -Sujit Sangma, Walseng M Sangma and Rapiush Ch Sangma for Rongjeng, with Mahamsing M Sangma (UDP) and Sengbat R Marak (Independent) for Williamnagar.
In North Garo Hills district, besides the heavyweights to file nomination were Pongseng R Marak (NPP) for Bajengdoba and Manosh Marak (Independent) for Resubelpara constituency.
The remote South Garo Hills district also had two young student leaders of the Garoland movement file their papers together with Garo National Council supremo Kalpana D Sangma. Sitting GHADC MDC and former Deputy CEM Augustine R Marak filed his nomination as the GNC candidate for Siju-Rongara seat, while the other GNC candidate Nikman Ch Marak filed his papers to contest the Baghmara seat. The widow of Late Clifford Marak and GNC president Kalpana D Sangma filed her nomination in the party stronghold of Chokpot.
Others who filed their nomination in South West Garo Hills were Ms. Mafiara Sangma (GNC) for Mahendraganj and Thiring M Sangma (Independent) for Salmanpara.
The last two days are expected to witness a heavy rush as candidates make a beeline to get through their nomination before the deadline takes place.