Billykid to support Conrad, John Leslee consults supporters

SHILLONG: BJP member Billykid Sangma, who was second on the list in the February 27 Assembly polls from South Tura, has decided to support Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who is set to contest from the vacant seat following the resignation of Agatha Sangma.
“I welcome the chief minister to South Tura and I am ready to support him,” Billykid said over phone on Sunday.
According to Billykid, since the BJP is part of the MDA government, it is natural that he should support the chief minister.
Billykid, however, made it clear that he will continue to be with BJP and added that there is no question of joining any other party.
The state BJP leaders will meet on Tuesday to finally decide on the support to chief minister.
In the February 27 polls, Agatha Sangma (NPP) polled 6,499 votes and Billykid secured 4,896 votes, while Congress candidate Grithalson Arengh got the third position with 3,597 votes. Former South Tura legislator John Leslee Sangma (NCP) came in fourth place with 3314 votes. There were as many as nine candidates in the fray in the last February polls.
When contacted, John Leslee said he is consulting his supporters before making any final decision whether to contest the seat or not.
He, however, added that NCP will be supporting the chief minister since the state party chief and the lone MLA Saleng Sangma is associated with the MDA coalition led by NPP.
He said if there is pressure from his supporters to contest the seat, he may have to come out of NCP to contest as an Independent candidate.
“However, whether to contest the seat or not will depend on the outcome of consultations,” he added.
Meanwhile, indications are clear that the state BJP leaders will support Conrad since the party is part of the MDA coalition.
State BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh said that the letter addressed to him by NPP president WR Kharlukhi, seeking support for Conrad was forwarded to Delhi.
“We got a response from the central leaders, who wanted the state office bearers to take a call on the matter,” Lyngdoh said.
He added that the meeting on Tuesday will finally decide on the matter.
Earlier, the BJP leader from Garo Hills, KC Boro, said the central leadership of the party wanted the state leaders to support Conrad.