SHILLONG, Feb 27: The candidates of major political parties contesting the North Shillong seat said they were confident of victory after casting their votes on Monday.
Former MLA and Voice of the People Party (VPP) candidate, Adelbert Nongrum said his confidence was based on the development work he had ensured after being elected in 2018.
“I am sure people will vote for a change, especially looking at the misrule of the NPP-led MDA government. The last five years were marked by illegal coal mining and transportation, the handing over of Meghalaya’s land to Assam and other irregularities,” he said.
The VPP candidate said he will continue to raise issues such as job reservation policy and the inter-state boundary irrespective of the outcome on March 2.
North Shillong’s BJP candidate, Mariahom Kharkrang said he was banking on the change the people are seeking for a berth in the Assembly. “We do not underestimate the other parties. We took our agenda to the people who have seen that the BJP has proven itself,” he said.
He said it was unfortunate that a fake post was circulated saying he had withdrawn his candidature.
“There was another post saying that the BJP will not win the North Shillong seat. A purported letter was sent from here to Delhi. The letterhead of the BJP was used in both these fake posts,” Kharkrang said.
“Some people can stoop really low in a bid to win,” he said.
NPP candidate, Ransom Sutnga brushed aside criticisms against him and his party while exuding confidence about a win.
“I am not really surprised by the criticisms that lacked merit,” he said, adding that his focus on the employment of youth and a land bank policy would see him through.
Congress candidate, JA Lyngdoh said the people of North Shillong constituency the overhaul of his party reflected the change the people are seeking.
“The genuine supporters are still with the party, particularly after many old leaders left,” he said.