TURA: In a dramatic turn of events in the state politics, the Youth Congress president from chief minister Mukul Sangma’s constituency of Ampati has defected to the National People’s Party (NPP) much to the embarrassment of the ruling party at a time when elections are round the corner.
The Youth Congress president, Dipu Koch was officially welcomed into the NPP by Tura Lok Sabha MP Conrad K Sangma during the inauguration of the new party office at Ampati on Monday.
Welcoming the young Koch leader, the national president of the NPP said that his joining would be an asset to the party and the grassroot support would be further galvanized in South West Garo Hills district.
“The Youth Congress president joining the NPP is an indication that people even in Mukul Sangma’s own area are unhappy with his leadership. Congress has failed to live up to the expectations of the people. There is a wind of change across Meghalaya and Koch will channelise the spirit of the party amongst the youth,” said Conrad Sangma while addressing party workers and supporters during the inauguration of the NPP office at Ampati.
On the same day, the NPP announced at a public meeting in Chongnapara that it would be fielding Ian Botham K Sangma, a young youth leader against sitting Congress MLA Winnerson D Sangma in Salmanpara constituency of South West Garo Hills district.
Ian Botham, known by his local name Janggam, is the son of a retired government officer Danny Ch Marak.
“Janggam is working hard to ensure the NPP’s victory in Salmanpara. He is closely working with the people to understand their problems and young leaders like him would ensure people’s voice are well represented in the assembly,” said the Tura MP about Ian Botham who returned from England after completion of his higher education.
