The filing of nomination papers have come to a close and parties now stare at voting day constantly making last-ditch efforts to win people’s favour ranging from show of strength to promises, star campaigners, and whatnot. But nothing is decided until March 2, when the results will be declared.
Hear from some of the candidates from Garo Hills region on what they have to say about the polls as this political race heats up:
* Sengnab Momin (BJP candidate from Mendipathar)
For Sengnab, the upcoming elections will be one where the BJP will not only leave its mark but will also pave the way for development of the state in a way never seen before.
“People have become fed up with the incumbent government as they have failed to live up to the expectations of the people. People will vote for the BJP and vote for change,” said Sengnab.
The son in law of former Mendipathar MLA and minister, FW Momin, Sengnab said he was confident of toppling the applecart of firm favourites and two-time MLA from the constituency, NPP’s Marthon Sangma.
“I have gone on several campaigns since I was declared the BJP candidate from my constituency and I have got lots of positive response from people, the Church and my friends. Given the current situation, I am confident of winning the seat,” said Sengnab, despite being a political greenhorn.
On the performance of the BJP across the state, Sengnab felt the party was poised to win at least 15 seats in the state, with 10 coming from Garo Hills alone.
“We are being accepted by the people and that has given us a boost,” he added.
The BJP leader stated that despite getting statehood more than 50 years ago, the state has hardly developed despite the passage of time. His constituency, he added, was one of the worst in development.
“I was astonished to find schools in one of my campaigns which are in absolute shambles. These are in government LP schools. This type of situation needs to be improved. This it seems is not unique and is shameful. People are facing lots of problems in various sectors, including education, health, roads and infrastructure,” he felt.
Taking the example of the health situation in Mendipathar, Sengnab stated that it has already been 15 years since the infrastructure had been set up in the Mendipathar PHC but since then, the hospital has been neglected.
“There are few doctors, very little equipment and people have to depend on other places. These need a complete overhaul and is something I want to do if given the mandate,” Sengnab informed.
* 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.