SHILLONG: Veteran politician Rowell Lyngdoh said on Friday the race for Ranikor seat took an interesting turn with the entry of PDF chief PN Syiem and a tough challenge awaits NPP candidate Martin M Danggo.
Speaking to a group of reporters in the city, the former Congress leader predicted victory for Danggo and said UDP’s Pius Marwein, who is so far the popular candidate for the August 23 by-poll, would be the first runner-up.
Contrary to this, UDP legislator and Cabinet Minister Metbah Lyngdoh claimed that the party would win as its candidate “is very strong”.
“The inputs (from Ranikor) show that our candidate is well ahead of others but this is an election and we have to fight to our best capability,” he added.
When asked about the Congress, Rowell said with Mukul Sangma spending so much time in the constituency, the party’s candidate would “make some headway but he will not be the winner”.
“We have hope that our candidate MM Danggo will win despite of everything,” he added.Rowell had unsuccessfully contested the Assembly elections in February from Mawkyrwat constituency on NPP ticket.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma visited Ranikor on Friday to campaign for Danggo.
The counting will take place on August 27.
