SHILLONG/TURA: After all the campaigning for days, candidates for both the Tura and Shillong Lok Sabha seats are confident voters have reposed their faith in them when they cast their ballots on Thursday while Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma saw in the “free and fair” elections a vibrant and strong democracy in the country.
Besides the elections to the two Lok Sabha seats, by- election to the Selsella Assembly seat was also held.
MDA’s common candidate from Shillong Jemino Mawthoh said he was at an advantage being the choice of all the regional parties of the state and their efforts would help him.
He also feels that there is anti-incumbency factor against the sitting MP and people will definitely replace him this time.
Congress candidate Vincent Pala said that with money not in play in the MP elections, people would have used their conscience while voting.
He felt that that the Congress has every chance to come back to power even as he added that the difference this time around is the issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which has been opposed by people from every district of the state.
NPP candidate for Tura seat Agatha Sangma said that elections are always tough but she is confident of winning as the party has worked hard.
Admitting that campaigning period was short, she added that it was wonderful to see so many young voters coming out and exercising their right to franchise.
Vibrant democracy: Conrad
In a swipe at his rival and Congress candidate Mukul Sangma who had said that democracy would be in danger if the BJP returned to power, Conrad Sangma said that Thursday’s free and fair election was testimony to India’s democracy being vibrant and strong.
He made the statement after he and his sister, Agatha K Sangma, cast their votes at the Walbakgre polling station in Tura. Both brother-sister duo are confident of winning Tura with a ‘clear’ majority when counting takes place on May 23.
“The entire process of election is democratic. The past government was also chosen democratically as is the process now. I don’t see any reason why the opposition has to bring out such slogans. Every election process is a part of democracy and has been happening in a free and fair manner. Whoever the public desires to run the country, will do so,” said Conrad.
Speaking on their chances, the CM said, “We cannot take any opponent lightly and we have worked hard as has the opposition. In general the response to our campaign has been positive. We are very confident that we will come out successful in this election. Let’s see what happens on May 23,” he added.
Mukul confident
Former chief minister Mukul Sangma, also exuded confidence about his party and himself winning both the Tura and Shillong seats.
He said that the seats would be won comfortably in both places while the Congress will fare much better in the other 89 in the first phase across the country as the “other parties want to throw out the present government,” said Mukul.
Further, Mukul was confident that the trend would continue in the 2nd phase of polls as well.
He was speaking after casting his vote. He was accompanied to the Chengkompara polling booth under Ampati along with his wife and daughter, Dikkanchi D Shira and Miani D Shira, both MLAs from SWGH.
“People have realised that the government of the day has all along only been misleading them with false promises and pretty dreams. This is even as they have been interested in filling their own coffers and acting with vengeance against anyone that dares to question them,” he said.
