SHILLONG: The BJP has decided to support Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for the Tura by-poll scheduled for August 23.
State BJP leaders held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the matter as per the direction of the central leaders.
A party leader said while the meeting decided to support the chief minister, no decision has been taken regarding Ranikor by-poll though the matter was discussed.
The Meghalaya United Front (MUF) comprising the chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board Lambor Malngiang and NCP legislator Saleng A. Sangma has also made it clear that they would support Conrad.
Malngiang said he would also campaign in the constituency for the chief minister even as he expressed confidence that Conrad would win the election.
The chief minister is yet to start his campaign aggressively for the by-poll in South Tura constituency.
Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Conrad also said most of the coalition partners of the MDA are happy to support his candidature in the by-poll.
Stating that each and every political party faces a unique challenge, Conrad added that there is a need to respect the decision of any coalition party that intends to put up a candidate in the by-poll.
According to Conrad, presently he is having small meetings in the constituency since he has to look after his responsibilities as the chief minister of the state.
He, however, informed that the block committee of the NPP has already started working aggressively in the constituency.
The by-poll has been necessitated following the resignation of sitting MLA Agatha K Sangma on July 2.
Agatha stepped down to pave the way for her elder brother to contest the seat after he became the chief minister on March 6.
