TURA: After the last two weeks’ dull road show, the by-poll mercury in South Tura suddenly soared on Monday as the deadline for campaign ends on Tuesday evening.
Arch rivals Congress and NPP had so far the most hectic campaigning on Monday.
Former chief minister Mukul Sangma, along with younger brother Zenith Sangma and Salmanpara legislator Winnerson D Sangma, trained the gun on NPP at a by-poll rally in the heart of Tura Bazar.
Mukul led the attack on Conrad Sangma on a series of issues ranging from NRC, work permit controversy to the recent flare-up at Motphran. He also held a meeting at Rishipara and Akonggre on Sunday. Congress candidate Charlotte W Momin visited several localities, including the Lepers’ Colony. The NPP chose to add colour to its campaign trail with bike and car rallies on Monday morning. Hundreds of NPP supporters flaunted the party flag and campaign banners as they started the rallies from PA Sangma’s house at Walbakgre, passing through the thoroughfares to Sangsanggre and back.
Conrad targeted Mukul at the Matchakolgre rally in the evening saying he was a “solitary leader” who did not allow others to work.
“A chief minister has to engage with his Cabinet colleagues and bureaucrats and allot work so that everyone is taken on board. In the case of Dr Mukul Sangma he never allowed his ministers to work and preferred to hold on to 20 portfolios. That is not how a chief minister works in a democratic set-up… Our government does not subscribe to such an ideology,” said Conrad amid loud applause.
He also accused Mukul and the Congress of “twisting” his statement on work permits “to gain political mileage”.
“Why should I bring Bangladeshis to India? Our intention is to find a mechanism to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in our state. Who are illegal and who are genuine citizens? We will discuss with all cross sections of the people to find the right mechanism to identify the illegal immigrants. That is our stand,” said the chief minister, who was accompanied by Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh and Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla.
“Our government is an inclusive one involving every stakeholder. We are directly interacting with people to find the best projects for development of the state and our people,” he added.
