TURA: In a major development the, former MLA of Rajabala, Sayeedullah Nongrum, will contest the upcoming Selsella legislative assembly by-polls as the candidate of the United Democratic Party, a party he recently joined.
The former Congress leader and legislator, formally joined the UDP on Monday in the presence of party president and Meghalaya Speaker, Dr Donkupar Roy, MLA Samuel Sangma, Titostarwell Chyne among other party functionaries in a meeting of the party in the village of Hallidayganj in West Garo Hills, yesterday.
The meeting saw the presence of most of the party functionaries of Garo Hills as well as the lone MDC from UDP in the GHADC, Boston Marak.
Nongrum is amongst the first to throw his hat into the election battle with more names expected to come forward in the coming days. Nongrum is a 2 time MLA from Rajabala having lost the 2018 elections from the Tikrikilla constituency. In 2013, he was defeated by independent MLA, Ashahel D Shira from the Rajabala constituency following delimitation of the seat.
The party members welcomed the return of the former MLA into the UDP fold. The senior leader was earlier a part of the UDP before shifting allegiance to the Congress.
The seat fell vacant following the demise of former Congressman and minister, Clement Marak, with the 6 month window for the conduct of fresh elections ending in the month of March.