Tura, Jan 12: Richard Marak, the South Tura Constituency poll candidate of the AITC has expressed confidence in taking on the CM, Canrad Sangma in the constituency.
Richard is in a pitched battle for the constituency with the likes of BJP’s Bernard Marak (Tura MDC), UDP’s John Leslee K Sangma (former MLA of South Tura) along with the CM – a contest that is expected to be watched very closely due to those present in the fray.
“Conrad Sangma is the first CM of the state who has nothing to show for his rule except failures. The incumbent government has shown its hand through its anti people policies be it in the field of education, infrastructure creation, jobs or even border issues,” said Richard in an interview yesterday.
Richard felt that the support to his campaign, which has been rigorous, was overwhelming and felt he could win the heart of the voters.
“There has been tremendous response to the ‘WE Card’ and ‘MYE Card’ campaigns of our party throughout the state and this we believe will be game changer. Till yesterday, more than 2 lakh families have registered for the ‘WE Card’ scheme. In only 5 days, we have received an astounding number of responses. The numbers speak for themselves,” said Richard.
Richard asserted that the TMC understood the pain the people of the state have gone through during the Conrad Sangma-led government.
“They want to live a good life and give their children a better life as well. I am ready to take Conrad head on in the upcoming election. He has failed the people of the state as well as the people of Tura in every aspect,” he stated.
He added the TMC wanted to be the change that the state required and were ready to serve the people.
“For the past five years the incumbent government has misled the people of the state in the name of development. Anti people policies, corruption lawlessness has shown how they have failed miserably,” alleged Richard.
The youth leader stated that his interactions with the people of the constituency have shown they were dissatisfied and wanted change.
“After my interactions, I am confident in providing the people of my constituency an alternative. Our key focus will always be on education for all, women and youth empowerment, opportunities for our farmers and business community and most importantly a corruption free government,” he stated.
On the issues that he felt the NPP led government had failed the state, Richard felt that a spree of corruption issues, the failure of the government to provide the youth with alternatives, issues with the border pact, failure to keep their promises made to farmers. He also added that education including those teaching as well as studying was another key point where the government has failed emphatically.
“This government has also compromised the decision-making authority of the state but taking orders from Assam. They have insulted the people and the people will give them a befitting reply,” asserted Richard.
Marak stated that education has been worst hit with teachers agitating over salaries while hundreds of schools are in dilapidated condition despite receiving annual grants and scholarships being delayed. This, he felt, did not augur well for the future of the state.