Zenith challenges Conrad strength in South Tura

SHILLONG: Congress leader Zenith Sangma said on Sunday it would not be difficult for the party to defeat Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for whom the South Tura by-poll is crucial.
Talking to The Shillong Times over phone, the senior leader said, “Everyone thinks that it will be tough to defeat the chief minister but the reality will be something else and the outcome will be seen on August 27 (the counting day).”
Zenith claimed that people of the constituency would reject Conrad on August 23 as a mark of protest against “all his wrongdoings”. However, he did not elaborate on which “wrongdoings” he was referring to.
Also, the Congress is well-prepared for the by-poll, Zenith informed.
The Congress has fielded Charlotte W Momin against Conrad who has to win the election to retain the chief minister’s chair. Similarly, former MLA John Leslee K Sangma is also contesting the election as an independent, besides another independent candidate Chris Kabul A Sangma.
CM flays critics without facts
Meanwhile, Conrad who campaigned in Tura on Sunday lambasted the opposition for attacking the ruling government and misleading voters. “The opponents have no facts but (they) only beautify their lecture. Understand facts before criticizing. We are a responsible government and the opponent should not mislead to seek vote… talk in the spirit of democracy,” he said.
Referring to the rivals’ “irresponsible statements”, Conrad clarified that there was no decision to amend the reservation policy “as being propagated by opponents”. On curbing illegal immigration, the chief minister stressed the need for a policy.
Asserting that the MDA government’s mantra is “inclusive development and inclusive mantra”, he said, “The by-election is to secure the future of Meghalaya and not of NPP or Conrad Sangma.”
“A true leader will never run for post, or money, a leader will sacrifice,” Conrad added quoting his father PA Sangma.
Minister AL Hek and Lambor Malngiang, the chairperson of the State Planning Board, also campaigned for Conrad at Reserve Gittim locality in South Tura.