From Saurav Borah
GUWAHATI: He’s a veteran in the field of politics, having been there and seen it all for decades now.
A three-time MLA from Rajabala, 71-year-old Sayeedullah Nongrum who recently left Congress to join the United Democratic Party is eyeing another stint as a legislator, this time at Selsella, where the bypolls are being held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections, come April 11.
Selsella fell vacant after the demise of Congressman and former minister, Clement Marak, in October last year.
His wife, June Eliana R Marak is contesting the seat from Congress, Ferlin C. A Sangma will contest from National People’s Party, while BJP has fielded Adorsho Sangma.
Speaking to The Shillong Times in the middle of a break from a hectic poll campaign at Gorband (West Garo Hills) on Saturday evening, Nongrum, who had filed his nominations in Tura on Friday, said he was confident of being fourth-time lucky.
“There is no real threat to my contest as UDP is in the government. I am contesting to win. However, the outcome will depend on the mandate of the people. But let me also tell you that both (Ferlin and June) are like my younger sisters. I am 71 years old now but as the people of Selsella want me to contest, I have obliged and now want to help them like I have always done,” he said.
Nongrum however has had a string of defeats in the past two elections. He lost as a Congress candidate in Rajabala in 2013 and as an Independent from Tikrikilla in 2018.
“The Congress had worked against me in 2013, while last year, I came third but the margin of defeat was minimal. But the setbacks will not work against my campaign this time. I have the support of the people this time,” he said.
On his agenda, Nongrum said he would continue to work for the uplift of the people in the rural areas so that they stay united and live peacefully.
“There are people of diverse communities in Selsella but lack of development has hit them hard over the decades. So I wish to address this issue and contribute towards communal harmony,” he said.
