SHILLONG: The NPP leadership in Ranikor, where the party has lost several leaders and supporters to UDP, has been critical of its rivals, especially the Congress and PDF, for the August 23 by-poll and maintained that more candidates will better chances for Martin M Danggo.
The party’s president in South West Khasi Hill, Kitborlang Nongrem, alleged Congress candidate Jackiush K Sangma “is not a native of Ranikor but is from Garo Hills”.
He told reporters on Sunday, “In my 20 years of political career, I have not known or seen this person and even the people of Ranikor constituency do not recognise him.”
Nongrem, who is a former Congress worker from Ranikor, refuted the statement made by Congress spokesperson HM Shangpliang that Sangma joined the party in 2007.
He claimed that the NPP camp in Ranikor is increasing by the day and was confident of NPP candidate Danggo’s victory.
With three other candidates up against Danggo, Nongrem was of the view, “the more candidates the better chances for Danggo”. The four candidates fighting for the Ranikor seat are Danggo, UDP’s Pius Marwein, PDF’s PN Syiem and Sangma.
Slamming Syiem, Nongrem said the PDF candidate has not achieved anything except for winning the dual posts but failed to address people’s concern such as the Village Administration Bill (VAB) and MUDA.
He maintained that Syiem has divided the UDP votes and it will not affect Danngo.
Former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma also came under criticism from Nongrem who blamed him for the lack of development in the constituency.
“He (Mukul) showed concern for Ranikor only this time and stayed for only two days. In all these 15 years, three council and two parliamentary elections, he never supported us,” he added.
