SHILLONG, Dec 3: Former Assembly Speaker and Congress leader Abu Taher Mondal was named the NPP candidate for the Phulbari seat in the Assembly elections.
The CM made the announcement during a function organised at the party office here to formally welcome Mondal to party fold. He is replacing party’s sitting MLA SG Esmatur Mominin.
Sangma said the impact of Mondal joining the party will be felt not just in Phulbari but all the adjoining constituencies. “Mondal is not new in politics but a well-known figure throughout the state, much well-known in Garo Hills, especially the plain belt region of Garo Hills,” the CM said.
He defended the party for choosing Mondol over Mominin for the Phulbari seat. “Decisions are made on our own surveys and calculations. We strongly feel that Mondal’s entry will boost the party’s chances,” he said.
On the MLAs from other parties joining the NPP, he said, “Let us not jump the gun. What is important now is that experienced leaders like AT Mondal have joined. I am sure his experience will benefit the party and the state as a whole.”
Recalling that Mondal shared a cordial relationship with the late PA Sangma and worked together in the Congress, Sangma said the former Speaker comes with a lot of experience and it is a great opportunity to work with him.
The CM said he is hopeful that if everyone is committed and works together, the NPP will win not just in Phulbari but also the other seats in the plain belt.
Mondal said he chose to join the NPP after seeing stability under Sangma’s leadership. He said as it was not the case with successive governments, it affected people.
