The former MLA from Ranikor, MM Danggo, who unThe former MLA from Ranikor, MM Danggo, who un successfully contested the by-poll, has accepted the verdict of the people positively though he did not want to elaborate on the reasons which led to his defeat. He, however, hinted that ‘several forces’ ganged up against him to ensure that he was not re-elected from Ranikor. The Shillong Times spoke to the veteran leader at his residence at Rynjah on Thursday in the presence of a few supporters.
ST: Was it a shocking defeat?
Danggo: I accept the will and verdict of the people. It is up to the people to judge. I accept it as natural.
ST: You were instrumental in giving civil sub-division to Ranikor. Do you feel that the people have cheated you?
Danggo: You are very well aware of the difficulties the people are facing in Ranikor. I felt that during my time, the dream of a civil sub-division to bring the administration closer to the people should be materialised as the previous government did not fulfil the demand. The present government was kind enough to grant the civil sub-division and it was not for my benefit as it was for the benefit of my people.
May be the people are yet to realise this but they will realise later. I have no regrets and grudge. If other candidates can develop the constituency, I will appreciate that. I congratulate the newly elected member.
ST: It appears that the opponents and the political parties have ganged up against you.
Danggo: It seems so but it is normal for a sitting MLA to face anti-incumbency. What sin have I committed by bringing civil sub-division? In fact, I was always thinking for the people whether I was in the opposition or the ruling.
ST: What went wrong in Ranikor resulting in the debacle?
Danggo: We were not complacent. The leaders of our party worked hard. The fact is that the votes belonging to the original NPP, BJP, PDF and Congress were polarised which helped the UDP candidate. I got less votes in many polling booths in upland and border areas.
ST: Has the Congress avenged you for deserting the party?
Danggo: I have seen in the newspapers about the role of the Congress as revealed from the horse’s mouth. But I will not accuse anyone. I do not want to make any comments.
But it is a fact that Mukul Sangma and family had campaigned against me in this election compared to the past when no Congress leaders bothered to campaign for me except SC Marak in 2003.
In the second round, many ‘Congress lieutenants’ had camped in different locations. I knew about it. But our approach was with simplicity of mind and honesty.
ST: The opponents especially the UDP say that you were defeated for defection.
Danggo: Not at all. The decision to leave Congress and join NPP was taken collectively with the consent of the people. Whether I win or lose was not the issue as the intention was to get the civil sub-division and not any Cabinet berth. But it is up to the people to judge my intentions. I longed to get the civil sub-division for the last 20 years irrespective of me getting elected or not. Now let my successor upgrade it into a district.
ST: With the defeat, will you retire from politics?
Danggo: I had once thought that I should quit active politics. But now I have to consult my supporters and people before taking any decision.
ST: What would be your role in the party and the government?
Danggo: Whatever assignment is given, I am ready to accept it.
ST: Did money power play any role in your defeat?
Danggo: I cannot make any comments. It is up to you to analyse.
ST: The MDA partners should have supported you like in the case of South Tura.
Danggo: There may be a reason for this. But I don’t want to disclose it.