TURA: The prestigious Rongrenggre legislative constituency in East Garo Hills is going to witness a multi-cornered contest in next year’s assembly polls with as many as eight aspirants announcing their intention to be in the fray.
Rongrenggre constituency comprising of Williamnagar town is currently represented by senior Congress leader and minister Deborah C Marak.
Interestingly, only two aspirants have applied for the Congress candidate so far, namely, sitting legislator Deborah Marak and district Congress leader Sengbat R Marak.
Jonathone N Sangma, who was defeated by Deborah Marak in the last assembly elections will contest as an Independent.
Interestingly, the battle for the Congress party ticket has pitted the leader against her one-time ally and supporter. Sengbath Marak who was once a close confidante of the minister is now challenging her for the very same position. He had twice contested the district council elections (MDC) unsuccessfully.
To boost his support among his well-wishers ahead of the polls, the aspirant gathered his clan members from the Rangsa clan for a meeting at Williamnagar to seek their endorsement on Thursday.
“We have appealed to our clan members to support Sengbath in his bid to win the elections,” said Rangsa clan secretary Johny R Marak.
But the battle for Rongrenggre is expected to be tough and grueling with a number of heavyweights lined up to woo the voters.
Besides Deborah Marak, Jonathone Sangma and Sengbath R Marak, there also the NPP’s former MLA Marcuish Marak, former MDC and UDP’s Mahamsing M Sangma, former civil service office and the BJP’s Santosh R Marak, as well as Jan Arengh and Lahatson N Marak who are expected to be Independent candidates.
