Candidates Speak: North Garo Hills
Timjim Momin (Congress from Mendipathar constituency):
Timjim hopes to make big strides in his constituency and said he was confident, not overconfident in taking on the elections. He felt there were many departmental gaps in his constituency which include the health sector, agriculture, education and those under BPL.
“If we look into these sectors, there are many spaces that need filling up. I am planning on working to resolve the issues for the sake of the people in my constituency. We are confident and ready and I am sure that we will come with flying colours in all four seats this time,” felt Timjim while speaking to the media after the completion of his scrutiny today, Feb 8.
Timjim is in a contest with the local legislator, Marthon Sangma, the BJP candidate – Sengnab Momin, AITC’s Pardinand D Shira, UDP’s Subroto Marak and Alberth Marak (independent).
Alberth Marak (Independent from Mendipathar constituency):
Alberth, who had been aspiring for a ticket from the BJP but was left disappointed when the ticket went to another contestant, said that he has been helping people of his constituency through thick and thin and even during the COVID crisis where he worked tirelessly to help those aggrieved.
“People know what I stand for and they have supported me in my campaign. Leaders of the state have been campaigning on the promises of better roads, education, health, since the birth of the state in 1972. I don’t understand how despite all their promises, how things are still the same. I am taking these issues to the people during my campaign with the promise to deliver,” said Alberth.
Hitting out at the incumbent NPP led government, Alberth pointed to the promise of the CM, Conrad Sangma, who promised to make education in the state, its first priority.
“If this is how you take care of your first priority, you can understand where the state is going in the coming years. People know now what the purpose of the statement was and I humbly want to request people to vote wisely,” stated Alberth.
Rocky Marak (Independent candidate from Bajengdoba):
Rocky Marak is another BJP ticket aspirant who was ultimately denied a ticket by the party as he put it – as reasons best known to them.
Rocky, who had earlier stood on a UDP in 2018 stated that there was too much political interference in grass root development, which he did not like and wanted to rectify.
“I have worked with various parties in the past including the UDP, BJP among others. I did quite well during the previous election but was still denied a ticket for reasons best known to my then political masters. I have no complaints and will not defame, badmouth or speak ill against anyone because that is how we fight elections in Garo Hills,” said Rocky while talking after the scrutiny of his papers.
He asserted that he was confident of himself as he had the hill votes in his constituency.
“The vote in the plain sections of Bajengdoba will be divided but I have my hill votes,” he asserted on the reason for his confidence.
Talking about the problems faced by the people of his constituency, Rocky related some of his findings while going village to village in assisting his people.
“There is so much political interference at the grass root in providing schemes, both state and central ones is mind boggling. This time I have decided to not be a bystander and keep silent. The support from the people at the grass root is driving me and I am sure I will win,” he added.