‘Fight on’ for NPP after TMC list of candidates

SHILLONG, Jan 6: The announcement of a list of candidates by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday has energised the National People’s Party (NPP).
“It is game on and we are ready for the fight – be it the TMC, BJP or any other party that will be in the fray,” parliamentarian and NPP state president WR Kharlukhi said on Friday.
He was reacting to a query on the list of 52 candidates, including former CM Mukul Sangma, declared by the TMC.
When pointed out that the TMC disclosed a card by naming Sangma as the candidate from Songsak and Tikrikilla, Kharlukhi said: “It is their internal matter and I don’t have much to say. But we are prepared for anything.”
He dismissed speculations that Sangma’s candidature from two seats will impact the NPP. “Rather, it will impact the TMC if he wins or loses from both the seats,” he said.
The Shillong Times had earlier reported that Sangma would contest from the Tikrikilla constituency in West Garo Hills along with his current constituency, Songsak in East Garo Hills.
At least four other parties, including the NPP, BJP, Congress and UDP are expected to contest the Tikrikilla seat.
Sangma had in 2018 won from home turf Ampati and Songsak. He vacated the Ampati seat, which was later won by his daughter Miani D Shira.
There have been speculations about Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma contesting from Selsella apart from South Tura, which he represents. He played down the possibility.