SHILLONG/TURA/MAWKYRWAT: South Tura and Ranikor are ready for another battle after the Assembly elections in February.
The 30,440 voters at 36 polling stations in South Tura constituency will decide on Thursday which way the political wind in the state will blow.
Similarly, in Ranikor, 29,755 voters’ mandate will show whether five-time MLA Martin M Danggo still enjoys the clout after quitting the Congress.
A win for the chief minister in South Tura will ensure his continuation as the head of the state whereas a defeat would result in his resignation and possible collapse of his government.
While the NPP is banking on the ‘Ranikor civil sub-division factor’, its rivals are also putting up a tough fight.
The by-poll in the constituency in South West Khasi Hills is important for the Congress that wants to retain the seat that it had represented for the last 20 years. It also wants to remain as the single largest party in the state assembly. The Congress has 20 MLAs followed by NPP with 19.
Former chief minister Mukul Sangma had camped in Ranikor to ensure Congress’s victory. But the poll battle is likely to be between the MDA partners — NPP’s Danggo and UDP’s Pius Marwein. In South Tura, female voters at 15,474 surpass their male companions by 508. As many as 1,006 new voters in the age group of 18-19 years are eligible to cast their vote in this election. There are also 37 service voters who can exercise their franchise through postal ballot.
Matchakolgre polling station in New Tura area has the highest number of voters at 1,358 and Leper Colony polling station has the lowest at 151.
There will be webcasting in six polling stations. There is one all-women booth. South Tura has two model booths and a special polling station for people with disabilities. The polling percentage in the February elections was 73.59.
In Ranikor, as many as 1,639 new voters in the age group of 18-19 years are eligible to exercise their franchise this election. There are also 26 service voters. Of the 29,755 voters, 14,533 are female.
A total of 65 polling stations dot the vast and remote Ranikor constituency and the booth at Nongkdait has the highest number of voters at 901. Nongbahjynrin polling booth has 63 voters, the lowest.
There are 10 non-motorable polling stations in the constituency and three booths with webcasting. Also, six polling stations are near the international border and one is close to an elephant corridor.
The polling percentage in the February elections was 89.5.
South West Khasi Hills police chief HG Lyngdoh said on Wednesday all the polling parties have reached their respective booths. Of the 65 polling stations, 38 are regarded as peaceful, 26 sensitive and three critical. Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo said the static surveillance teams are keeping a close watch on illegal flow of cash and liquor.