SHILLONG/ TURA, Feb 6: A day before the final date of the filing of nominations for the February 27 Assembly elections, a total of 29 TMC candidates came out in full strength and with full support of the masses to file their nominations, bugling to embark on a mission to bring a change in Meghalaya. Accompanied by thousands of supporters amidst a loud cheer and massive rallies, the nomination filing witnessed a high-spirited day across the state.
The candidates who filed nominations on Monday are: Mukul M Sangma from Songsak, Charles Pyngrope from Nongthymmai, Tengrak R Marak from Bajengdoba, Alphonsush R Marak from Williamnagar, Winnerson D Sangma from Salmanpara, Rupert M Marak from North Tura, Andrew Shullai from Jowai, Iwan Maria from West Shillong, Ian A Lyngdoh from South Shillong, Banshanlang Lawai from Mawryngkneng, Sengnam M Marak from Rongjeng, Rupa M Marak from Dadenggre, Robinus Syngkon from Raliang, Rinaldo K Sangma from Resubelpara, Cherak Momin from Kharkutta, Dikkanchi D Shira from Mahendraganj, Justine G Momin from Mawshynrut, Edmund Khongngai from Pynursla, Harold Firming Khongsit from Sohra, Agassi R Marak from Selsella, Stodingstar Thabah from Sohiong, Zenith M Sangma from Rangsakona, Sadhiarani M Sangma from Gambegre, Pardinand D Shira from Mendipathar, Sounder S Cajee from Mawkyrwat, Raymond Basaiawmoit from Pynthorumkhrah, Ajoy Nongrum from East Shillong, Prabir D Sangma from Raksamgre, and Stepbourne Kupar Ryndem from Mawlai.
After submitting his nomination amidst a huge number of party workers, Meghalaya TMC president and Nongthymmai candidate Charles Pyngrope said, “I thank the people for showing immense support by turning up for my nomination filing despite not inviting anybody officially or through inducements. It was nice to witness the enormous support from the people.”
Addressing a massive gathering after filing his nomination for the Songsak seat, Meghalaya TMC legislature party leader Mukul Sangma said, “We are working to reignite the whole sense of oneness which brought our people together when we thought about the larger good of each and everyone from all the hills of the state, and that is precisely what TMC is doing — talking and acting on unity and oneness, unlike other parties. Anything capable of creating a sense of division in this nation is against the whole interest of this great nation. The onus is on all of us to ensure and say to the world that we are so diverse, yet stand together.”
Sangma, who is contesting from Songsak and Tikrikilla, said the TMC, despite entering the political scene only recently, was gaining popularity in Garo Hills due to “people’s thirst for change”.
“How long has the TMC been here? Just around a year. So you can understand that building such a network bringing people together is because of issues that are there. The state belongs to everyone and everyone loves it, so we want to rebuild the state,” he said.
Sangma said that it is the prerogative of the TMC to ensure that the resources are gobbled up in a manner that makes the state capable of responding to the needs of the people and that every single penny out of the resources from the state coffers reach the people.
“Why is there a thirst for change? It is because of incidents of alleged irregularities, alleged corruption, deprivation and discrimination of the people from their rightful dues, lack of livelihood opportunities and dislocation of livelihood,” he claimed.
TMC’s Rangsakona candidate, Zenith M Sangma lambasted the Conrad Sangma-led MDA Government for its inept governance. He said, “The fight is on and we are very much confident about winning this battle. This is not merely my fight, but the fight of the people of Meghalaya. This will be the victory of the people of the state. People are against the corrupt, inhumane, and inept NPP-led MDA Government.”
The party’s Mahendraganj candidate, Dikkanchi D Shira expressed her full faith in the people of her constituency. “I have full confidence that I will be elected again. I urge the people to stand united and vote for TMC to bring a change in our state,” she said.
Emphasizing that “winds of change” is here, the party’s Jowai candidate, Andrew Shullai said, “I urge all the people of Jowai to come forward and support me as I take this endeavour toward bringing a change. I have full confidence that people will choose me as I will tirelessly work for the welfare of the constituency.”
