Congress upbeat about bypoll success

SHILLONG, Oct 13: Congress MLA, PT Sawkmie admitted sympathy factor will be a challenge for the party in the bye-elections to Mawphlang seat but it will leave no stone unturned to ensure victory for its candidate.
Mawphlang, Mawryngkneng and Rajabala constituencies are going to by-poll on October 30.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has fielded Eugeneson Lyngdoh, son of SK Sunn whose demise necessitated the bye-elections in the Mawphlang seat.
Sawkmie said the National People’s Party (NPP) has the resources but the people will not favour it due to its alleged failure in the last three and half years. Lamphrang Blah, a four-time Member of District Council, is its candidate.
The Congress is confident that despite the challenges, it will win all three seats. It has launched an aggressive poll campaign.
Sawkmie, who is the Congress’s chief whip, is campaigning in Mawphlang. He said party candidate and former MLA, Kennedy Khyriem, with his experience, can ensure development in the constituency.
He said the Congress’s major focus has been the development of the constituency.
“While Kennedy was serving as an MLA, he had worked hard for the overall development of the constituency. He had a close relationship with the people. The poor had benefitted a lot from the schemes that were put in place. If he wins, he can do much better,” Sawkmie said.