TURA: Independent MLA from 51-South Tura, John Leslee K Sangma, has decided extend his support to Congress candidate Dikkanchi D Shira for the upcoming by-election to the Tura Lok Sabha seat slated for May 16.
The Tura MLA had previously supported Late P A Sangma in the 2014 elections and campaigned extensively for the NPP candidate.
Citing reasons for the shift in allegiance, John Leslee Sangma claimed that this was because the Mukul Sangma government had amended the Excise rules relating to operation of wine stores and the enhancement of the MLA scheme from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Campaigning in full swing: Congress candidate Dikkanchi D Shira held public meetings at Dalu, Kherapara, Gasuapara and Sibbari on Friday while NPP candidate Conrad K Sangma was in his assembly constituency of Selsella in West Garo Hills before ending the day’s campaign with a public meeting in the minority dominated Old Bhaitbari village.
Dikkanchi first visited Sibbari and Gasuapara border villages, located close to the international border with Bangladesh in South Garo Hills.
From there she came down to Dalu border town in West Garo Hills for another meeting before moving on to Kherapara.
Her last meeting of the day was at Tura bazar, constituency of Independent candidate John Leslee K Sangma who has extended his support to the Congress.
Conrad held rallies at Selsella, where he had been previously elected as an MLA in the 2008 state polls, and also visited Kalchengara, Chokchokia, Abima before rounding off at Bhaitbari.
