GUWAHATI: Sitting MDC of Jirang, Victor Ranee has his eyes set on a second consecutive term during which he plans to complete pending development work, particularly in the areas bordering Assam.
Ranee, who is contesting from National People’s Party (NPP) this time, is up against seasoned campaigner, Witness Day Sancley of People’s Democratic Front. The other rival in the fray is William Mynsong of Congress.
“Jirang is a vast constituency having over 250 villages. There are unresolved border issues related to development, which would be in my priority list if I get a second term. I will try to complete the pending development work, including electrification of villages, mainly in the Ranibari, Khanapara Patharkuchi and Koinadhora areas along the border,” Ranee told The Shillong Times on Sunday.
Jirang shares boundary with Assam in Kamrup and Kamrup metro districts.
With campaigning for the February 27 autonomous district council elections on its penultimate day, going by the grapevine, NPP appears to be the frontrunner in Jirang constituency.
“NPP is heading the state government and the incumbent MLA is also from the same party. Therefore, NPP already has an advantage that way,” Ranee said.
Pledging to work on the Village Administration Bill (VAB) and the inter-state boundary issue, which of course is an area the state government would have to take up with Assam, he said, “From the district council, we will try our best to implement the Bill and also cooperate in finding out ways to help resolve the decades-old border problem.”
Asked about any other area which according to him could not be completed during his previous term, Ranee said, “Apart from land problems which would need attention, I have to focus on building cordial relations with other communities such as Rabha and Karbi, living near the border, so as to ensure peace and camaraderie among residents.”
His principal rival, Witness Day of PDF, however, expects to put up a stiff fight. “I am confident of putting up a strong fight. My agenda if I make it through would be to frame stronger rules and regulations to protect and promote our clans. Besides, I will try to bring more development schemes to the constituency,” he said.