From Saurav Borah
TURA: In Tura Lok Sabha constituency, the feedback from the ground is invariably the same – “It’s either Congress or National People’s Party (NPP) who’ll have the last laugh, albeit after a close tussle”.
Unlike in constituencies beyond some Northeastern states where the Bharatiya Janata Party, also in the fray for Tura parliamentary seat, has a hold, in Meghalaya, particularly in Garo Hills, the saffron party pales out somewhat.
At least, that’s a reality check that the ruling party at the Centre has to do, considering the “electoral dynamics” in this neck of the woods, where mainly communities and party leaders matter to voters.
Though late in the day, BJP has fielded Rikman G. Momin despite the Mukul Sangma versus Agatha Sangma tussle apparently overweighing any other rivalry. The move though has not invited appreciation. Former BJP leader, Billykid Sangma, who joined the NPP recently said, “Whenever there is an election here, BJP has not been sure whether to put up a candidate till the last moment…So not just I but many others have shifted allegiance from the party to either Congress or NPP.”
Lack of high-profile candidates for the Lok Sabha elections here has put the party in a quandary though, triggering a late reaction.
“BJP were not supposed to put up a candidate…..But I don’t know how they fielded Rikman late in the day,” Billykid told this correspondent at his Arai Mile residence.
Defending his party’s case, BJP spokesperson for Garo Hills, Digross D Shira says, “In terms of vote share among the active parties in Garo Hills, BJP has been the third largest party in the last elections after Congress and National People’s Party. Last time, BJP secured nearly 60,000 votes in Garo Hills.”
On the candidature of Rikman G Momin, Digross said that though he is a relatively new face in politics, his candidature has some advantage. “There is a third front wave with those neither favouring Congress nor NPP, who is supporting BJP.”
“Then again, of the 18 to 20 per cent Hindu votes in Garo Hills, at least 15 per cent of them will surely be cast in favour of BJP, that too without any campaign/promotion,” he added.
Digross, who had fought elections from Mendipathar, further claimed that people have expressed anguish against Congress and NPP on social media.
“People have voted Agatha to Parliament for two times but what has she done in the name of development in Garo Hills. Besides, Mukul is also targeting BJP and talking about nexus with NPP when he should have outlined his plans for progress and improving the economy of Garo Hills,” he added.
From what neutral observers see, barring marshy lands, if at all there are in this dry season, the “Lotuses” may not be blooming in Garo Hills.) At best, they have brought a third party in the poll fray, has BJP.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Tuesday, BJP aspirant, Rikman G Momin said he was aware of the heavyweight opponents in the fray but believed that the people of Garo Hills wanted a change. “Both (Dr Mukul and Agatha K Sangma) are experienced politicians. But their families have adhered to dynastic politics over the decades, which the people of Garo Hills are wary of and now almost fed up with. They want a change and I think by that pulse, my chances are quite bright,” the 54-year-old Momin from Rongjeng, said. He admitted that the “last-minute” candidature announcement by the party high command came as a surprise but said BJP was a cadre-based party and therefore organised and ready for any eventuality. “The late announcement has not affected my preparations as my campaigns in North and East Garo Hills have gained momentum,” Momin, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections for the first time, said. On his agenda, he said that apart from bringing development his main aim would be to brand the party as a political party that strives for communal harmony and not associated with a particular religion.