TURA: The stage is well set for the battle of ballot in Garo Hills for the February 27th elections with the deadline for withdrawal of nomination having ended on Monday afternoon and the contesting candidates having been allotted the symbols.
With the rejection of nomination of three candidates during last week’s scrutiny, there will now be total 160 candidates in fray in the 24 assembly constituencies in the five districts of Garo Hills.
Last week, the candidature of Serazul H Kharkongor (Mahendraganj) and Arelitha K Sangma (Selsella) of the North East India Democratic Party (NEIDP) and Milson Sangma (Rajabala) from the Aam Aadmi Party were rejected during scrutiny for failing to get the required number of proposers for themselves.
The total number of candidates contesting from the eleven seats in West Garo Hills is 78, in East Garo Hills which has three constituencies there are 27 candidates, in North Garo Hills which has four constituencies, 21 candidates are in fray, in South Garo Hills with three constituencies 16 candidates and in South-West Garo Hills district having three constituencies there are 18 candidates.
In the two prestigious constituencies of North and South Tura, there are a total of 19 candidates fighting the electoral battle.
The Independent candidates in North Tura who received their symbols from the election commission are Adamkid M Sangma (Auto rickshaw), Chiang D Shira (Truck), Marbindruth Ch Momin (Globe), Roger Benny A Sangma (Blackboard) and Sengman R Marak (Table).
In South Tura constituency, the Independent candidates with their symbols are Annamika Jessirella G Momin (Walking Stick), Jingjang M Marak (Truck), Brinbal M Sangma (Blackboard) and Pallab D Arengh (Trumpet).
Some of the prominent candidates from other constituencies who are sitting legislators and contesting as Independent include Rajabala MLA Ashahel D Shira (Pot), Tikrikilla MLA Michael T Sangma (Saw), former MLAs Abdus Saleh (Rajabala) and Sayedullah Nongrum (Tikrikilla) with the symbol (Boat with man and sail).
Candidates Constituency-wise
West Garo Hills:
Raksamgre: 5
Tikrikilla: 10
Phulbari: 4
Rajabala: 6
Selsella: 7
Dadenggre: 8
North Tura: 10
South Tura: 9
Rangsakona: 6
Gambegre: 6
Dalu: 7
East Garo Hills:
Songsak: 7
Rongjeng: 11
Williamnagar: 9
North Garo Hills:
Kharkutta: 5
Mendipathar: 5
Resubelpara: 8
Bajengdoba: 3
South Garo Hills:
Rongara-Siju: 5
Chokpot: 5
Baghmara: 6
South-West Garo Hills
Ampati: 3
Mahendraganj: 8
Salmanpara: 8.