By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 23: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday alleged that the National People’s Party (NPP) has directed the entire state machinery towards Gambegre in view of the upcoming bye-elections to the seat but the people will give the party a befitting reply.
“I have been closely following the developments in the constituency and one thing has drawn my attention. The entire state machinery, including the chief minister (Conrad K Sangma), have been directed towards that constituency,” TMC leader Mukul Sangma said.
He said a substantial number of households and families in the constituency were given CGI sheets. He said it has to be found out if these sheets are being distributed to people under any government scheme or they are purchased and distributed directly by the party. “It only means the desperation of the party in power, specifically NPP. They want to win the seat but people will give them a befitting reply,” Mukul said.
Alleging that a lot of illegalities are taking place under the current regime, he said the TMC will take the bull by the horns and nobody will be allowed to go scot-free.
“There is complete manipulation and nepotism in any scheme that is being implemented,” he alleged, reminding the Supreme Court’s observation that anything implemented with favouritism is an act of corruption.
The NPP has named Conrad’s wife Mehtab Chandee Sangma as its candidate for the bye-election to the Gambegre seat which fell vacant following sitting Congress MLA Saleng A Sangma’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections from the Tura seat.
The TMC has unanimously decided to field Zenith Sangma’s wife Sadhiarani M Sangma. The party is awaiting the final approval from the high command. Sadhiarani had contested from the seat twice and lost by a small margin of votes.
Mukul said TMC state president Charles Pyngrope and other members of the party’s election committee had discussed the matter and the committee unanimously recommended Sadhiarani’s name. She is the TMC’s lone member in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council.
Mukul said the TMC workers are working hard on the ground to secure victory for the party.
“There is no shortcut when you are building a new political party. Obviously, there will be challenges,” he said and exuded confidence about party’s victory in Gambegre.