Tura by-election warms up in Meghalaya

The political scene in Meghalaya has warmed up once again with the two rivals - the ruling Congress and opposition National People's Party - set for the electoral battle for the Tura Lok Sabha by-election on May 16.

Congress candidate Dikkanchi D. Shira, wife of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and NPP's nominee, Conrad K. Sangma, youngest son of former Lok Sabha speaker (late) Purno. A. Sangma filed their nomination papers before Returning Officer Pravin Bakshi on Wednesday.

The by-election was necessitated following the demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A. Sangma on March 4.

In fact, the by-election to the Tura Lok Sabha seat has given a new political twist with Independent legislator Rophul Marak resigning as parliamentary secretary from the ruling Congress to contest the by-poll.

"I resigned from the post of parliamentary secretary as I am fed up with the failure of the Congress government. I have also decided to contest the by-election to take up several issues concerning the people of Garo Hills," Marak told IANS.

However, Shira, who is also a sitting Congress legislator, said that her electoral campaign will be based on the good performance of the Congress government in ensuring peace and development in Garo Hills.

"I hope my supporters and the electorate of Garo hills will decide based on the state government's vision and mission for development of Garo hills to ensure my victory," Shira told journalists after filing her nomination papers.

Rejecting the notion that sympathy wave will play a role in the Tura by-election, Shira said: "His (P.A. Sangma) chapter is closed. I am confident that people will repose faith in me and the party. The people of Garo Hills have to take a new direction and be conscious enough to vote for change."

However, NPP candidate Conrad Sangma exuded confidence that the electorate would elect him as their representative to parliament.

"I have full faith that people of Garo hills will come out to ensure my victory," Sangma said.

--IANS

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