‘Bernard will contest from South Tura if exonerated’

SHILLONG, Aug 21: The State BJP is banking on the return of its state vice president Bernard N Marak to contest the 2023 Assembly polls from South Tura constituency once the charges against him are cleared.
Senior BJP leader AL Hek on Sunday said Marak will contest the 2023 polls from constituency currently represented by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, provided he is exonerated.
“The matter is sub judice and we are waiting for the court to settle the matter,” Hek said.
According to the BJP leader, Marak’s arrest in the Rimpu Bagan case was nothing more than political vendetta to neutralise him before the polls.
He reiterated his demand for an independent probe into the matter.
Meanwhile, talking about the horse trading going around, Hek said he had been approached by various political parties including the Trinamool Congress but he would stick with the BJP.
Hek asserted that the BJP is expecting to win ten to fifteen seats and the party needs to strengthen itself and get the correct candidates to translate the potential into a reality. “We have potential to win some seats in Shillong urban constituencies, three in Jaintia Hills and some more in the Garo Hills region.”
Talking about the political battle brewing in his constituency of Pynthorumkhrah, Hek said, “All contenders are equal strong and we should not underestimate each other.” On the allegations of lack of development in his constituency, he said, “Do whatever you can but in the eyes of the opposition you have never done anything. This is not only in my constituency but across India, sitting MPs and MLAs will face such allegations. Such allegations are commonly made by all opposition or aspiring candidates,” he added.