From Afaque Hussain
TURA: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma admitted on Thursday that there would be challenges for the coalition government in the state if he loses the by-poll from South Tura.
Talking to reporters in Tura, Conrad said if such challenges come up the matter would be discussed but added at the same breath that he was confident of winning the by-poll. “People here are excited that their chief minister will be from South Tura.”
There is no Plan B for a possible crisis, if any following Conrad’s defeat, because “we are sure of winning the election”, said the chief minister.
However, Independent candidate John Leslee Sangma feels that if Conrad continues to be the chief minister, it would be disastrous for the state.
Asserting that he would have a positive result, John said on Thursday, “The state is going downhill in the last four-five months under the leadership of Conrad Sangma, be it the recent communal issues in Shillong, banning of internet, his stand on reservation and his idea of issuing work permits to Bangladeshis, which will be a disaster for Meghalaya.”
When asked about the poor roads and water crisis in the constituency, the former South Tura MLA said he was only an MLA of the constituency and “an MLA does not run the government”.
He added that during his tenure as MLA, he had raised the issues several times on the floor of the House.
“If anybody failed the people, it was the government and the party which was running the government that time,” said John.
Pointing out that he is the only candidate from South Tura, Leslie said he would either be with the NPP or the Congress only if he wins and depending on the choice of his electorate.
To a question to Conrad on the under-development of Tura, the chief minister admitted that street lights and roads, besides other amenities, are major problems in the rural pockets here.
“This election will strengthen the government which would also have a positive effect on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,” he added.
Not tough to defeat CM
Congress candidate Charlotte W Momin said on Thursday it would not be a tough task to defeat the chief minister.
She said the people in the constituency are aware of the negative policies and programmes of the government.
Expressing confidence that she would win the by-poll, she added that communication, water supply, street light and education are major challenges.
‘One nation one election’
Reacting to a query about frequent polls in the state, Conrad said when there are continuous elections, the overall governance is affected.
He batted for ‘one nation one election’ in the state saying many hurdles would go away and it would lead to cost cutting too.
“It’s desirable though it is a challenge to get all political parties and other
stakeholders on board in this matter,” he added.
He also asserted that the by-election is important for him, the party and for the government.
He also said NPP is confident of winning in Ranikor as well and there is NPP wave in the constituency.