TURA: John Leslee K Sangma, the independent legislator from South Tura constituency, is likely to be the candidate of Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party.
Though the Tura MLA has not officially announced his party affiliation, he was conspicuous at an NCP conference in Tura last Saturday.
Sangma was one of the ‘VIP’ guests seated on the podium during the NCP conference at the district auditorium.
The legislator who contested and won as an independent candidate in the 2013 Assembly elections is seeking a second term.
He will face as many as seven candidates, including his nearest opponent from the last election Billykid A Sangma whom he beat by 18 votes, the narrowest margin in 2013.
Former legislator Billykid has been keeping his political cards close to his chest. Though he has already shifted to campaign mode he has not officially declared his preferred party.
While supporters of Billykid claim he will fight as an independent candidate, there are indications that he could be the NPP candidate should former Union minister of state Agatha K Sangma decide against contesting.
However, NPP national president and Tura MP Conrad K Sangma told The Shillong Times on Thursday that ticket allocation has not been finalised.
When queried about the possibility of Agatha making way for Billykid for South Tura seat, Conrad put the controversy to rest by saying, “Agatha is the probable candidate as she is the only one who has applied for the party ticket.”
South Tura constituency already has UDP’s Pallab Arengh in the fray alongside three other independents and a possible BJP candidate.
