Our Bureau
TURA/SHILLONG, Jan 21: As has been the family tradition for the NPP, the campaign to retain power for the party will begin from the village of Adokgre on January 23.
Since PA Sangma’s first election some five decades ago, Adokgre has been perceived to be lucky and auspicious for the Sangma family.
The Sangma siblings, Conrad and James, are doing everything possible to make the occasion impressive. The Adokgre ground under Kharkutta constituency in North Garo Hills has been done up with refurbished infrastructure and a big stadium.
The other standout facet of the “mega show” is going to be the presence of all NPP bigwigs in the fray. All NPP cabinet ministers along with sitting MLAs from Khasi and Jaintia Hills will descend at Kharkutta to create an impression among the voters in Garo Hills.
After the massive turnout at TMC’s rally at Mendipathar early this week, the NPP is going all out to mobilise public attendance for the rally.
“We have informed all our 58 candidates though all may not be able to attend due to prior commitments. However, all party stalwarts including Prestone Tynsong, Snaiwbhalang Dhar along with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his elder brother James Sangma, along with all current NPP MLAs who are still with the party are expected to be present,” party sources said.
“We are positive of a very good result and will definitely get majority in the upcoming elections. Our work has spoken to the people of the state and they understand that to continue the same growth, they need the NPP to lead the next government as well,” the sources added.
Meanwhile, according to NPP spokesperson Marcuise Marak, the rally will focus on various developmental achievements of the MDA government.
Marak, who is also Williamnagar MLA, informed that the Congress workers will join the NPP during the rally.
“On January 23, I now can’t say roughly how many (will attend the rally); we are focusing on leaders, especially from North Garo Hills where the entire Congress team, women’s wing and parent body BCCI are joining,” he added.