SHILLONG/TURA/MAWKYRWAT: Four candidates for the August 23 by-polls to Ranikor and South Tura Assembly seats filed their nomination papers on Friday.
In South Tura, Congress’s Charlotte W Momin became the second candidate after Chief Minister and NPP candidate Conrad K Sangma to file her nomination.
Momin filed her papers before returning officer Sabrella Marak on Friday afternoon. Sangma filed his nomination on July 31.
Five-time MLA and NPP candidate MM Danggo, former KHADC chief executive member and PDF candidate PN Syiem and former student leader and Congress candidate Jackuish K Sangma filed their nomination papers in Mawkyrwat on Friday. They submitted their papers to the returning officer at the deputy commissioner’s office.
August 3 is also the sixth anniversary of South West Khasi Hills.
Candidates speak
“I welcome all the candidates in a democratic way as everybody has the right to contest the elections and let the people decide the winner,” Danggo told reporters after filing his nomination.
Meanwhile, Syiem while speaking to reporters claimed that he is still the “common candidate” that the people of Ranikor have selected to take on Danggo.
“(Just because the UDP is fielding a candidate) it does not mean that we do not meet our objectives because these leaders that accompanied me came from BJP, UDP, Congress and PDF. Therefore, I am the common candidate and we have full chance of winning the by-election,” Syiem said when asked about his chance since UDP had rejected the idea of a common candidate.
He also said if voted to power, he would take up the issue of road connectivity since there are many areas like Phlangdiloin to Ranikor, Mawpud to Bamon and Sarin to Nongthymmai which need connectivity.
“Also, this area needs a college to help those who cannot afford to go to Mawkyrwat or Shillong,” he added.
Jackuish, on the other hand, sounded confident to win the election “because people of Ranikor want to see development”.
“Last week, we visited the hospital at Khonjoy and there was no doctor or nurses. Danggo has failed the people of Ranikor in terms of development. We will work hard as we hope that we will win the election,” he added.
The young leader’s priority list comprises road connectivity, health and education for the people of the area.
Two more to contest in South Tura
Former South Tura MLA John Leslee K Sangma, who was defeated by Agatha K Sangma in the February election, is expected to file his papers either on Saturday or Monday, the last date for filing nominations.
He will contest as Independent.
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 UDP after the party announced its support for Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for the by-poll.
BJP’s Billykid A Sangma, the second runner-up in the last election, has already extended his support to the chief minister.
Ex-rebel chief to support CM
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 told The Shillong Times that instead of contesting he will support Conrad.
“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 as chief minister will be in a position to address them.
Bernard in a statement said his stand in the past elections was always focused on grassroots problems which need immediate rectification at the GHADC level and therefore, he will contest GHADC election.
He alleged that the Congress broke people’s trust and its vote bank was undefeatable in Tura until it was divided into North Tura and South Tura under the leadership of late PA Sangma.
“He knew the secret of Congress so he carefully divided the Tura constituency so that both seats remained reserved. Knowing these facts, I can only support Conrad Sangma with hope that he finishes what his late father started,” he added.
