TURA, April 21: Opening the doors for a direct contest, the Opposition Congress has decided to take on the NPP-led coalition in an election to the top position of Chief Executive Member (CEM) of GHADC on Thursday.
Though the numbers are not on their side, the Congress is fielding its lone woman member, Dengnakpara MDC Sadhiarani M Sangma, against Raksamgre MDC Benedic R Marak of the NPP. Both contestants are two term MDCs.
The decision of the Congress to seek a contest for the CEM’s post comes on a day when it lost the Chairman’s election to NPP by four votes. The Congress polled 12 while the NPP alliance secured 16 votes paving the way for Babelapara NPP MDC Rakesh A Sangma to become the new GHADC Chairman.
“We have decided to contest the CEM election and nominated our two time MDC Mrs Sadhiarani M Sangma for the contest,” informed Batabari MDC Ashahel D Shira who along with Kharkutta MDC Cherak W Momin seconded her nomination papers on Wednesday afternoon.
Sadhiarani Sangma is the wife of Congress leader Zenith Sangma, whereas, NPP candidate Benedic R Marak is a NPP heavyweight and current MLA of Raksamgre, a constituency he has won for two straight elections in a row. “We are prepared for the contest as we have the numbers on our side,” maintain NPP MDCs as they go on to mention the margin and difference of four MDCs who tilt the balance in their favour, as was evident from the Chairman’s election on Wednesday.
MDC clarifies on assurance
Rongrikkimgre MDC and soon to be Deputy CEM of the GHADC, Nikman Ch Marak, has clarified that there was no mention of a ‘four months’ time frame’ in his assurance given to organisation members from South Garo Hills with regard to their several demands concerning issues in the Council on Tuesday.
Members of the Southern Zone GSU met Nikman on Tuesday seeking that several issues plaguing the GHADC be resolved. Some of these issues included the provision of a separate electoral roll, early payment of pending salaries to employees, debarment of non-tribal candidates from the next council elections and the successful passing and implementation of the Garo Customary Law (GCL).
On Wednesday, Nikman clarified that while the assurance was given that the issues raised by them would be fervently looked into, there was no mention of a four months’ time frame for their achievement.
