TURA: Congress party’s Charlotte W Momin became the second candidate, after Chief Minister and NPP candidate Conrad K Sangma, to file her nomination papers to contest the South Tura constituency by-poll scheduled for August 23rd.
The Congress candidate filed her nomination before Returning Officer Sabrella Marak shortly after 1 O’clock Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, former South Tura MLA John Leslee K Sangma, who was defeated by Agatha K Sangma in the February elections is expected to file his nomination either on Saturday or Monday, the last date for filing of nominations.
Nomination papers were collected on behalf of John Leslee by his campaign agent on Friday indicating the upcoming contest to be multi-cornered.
Another candidate, Kris Kabul A Sangma has informed that he will be filing his nomination as an Independent candidate on Saturday. Chris Kabul had resigned from the United Democratic Party (UDP) after the party announced its support for Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for the by-poll. The BJP, in particular second runners up in the last election Billykid A Sangma, has already announced his support for the chief minister.
ANVC-B chairman not to contest, gives support for Conrad: Former ANVC-B chairman Rimpu Bernard N Marak who was speculated to be preparing to contest the by-poll has put to rest all rumours. Bernard Marak informed The Shillong Times that instead of contesting he will be giving his support for Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
“After much due thought I decided to support Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma because I feel he is the right candidate for the top job in the state. Even if I had contested I wouldn’t be the chief minister and I feel it is the right decision to support him. Instead of opposing the candidate who is slated to become the state chief minister we should all unite and support him,” said the former chief of the now disbanded militant outfit.
He added that there are many issues concerning the common people and the youth that needed to be seriously taken up and resolved.
“There are many problems facing the poor and the youth that needs to be urgently looked into. Unemployment and lack of livelihood opportunities for the youth are major issues facing us and I strongly feel that Conrad Sangma as the chief minister will be in a position to address them.