Meghalaya CM files nomination papers

Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) president Conrad K Sangma today filed nomination papers from South Tura assembly constituency, the by-election to which would be held on August 23.

Agatha K Sangma, his sister, vacated the seat earlier this month allowing Conrad K Sangma to contest from the seat in West Garo Hills district.

Conrad K Sangma, who is the MP from Tura Lok Sabha seat, was sworn in as the chief minister on March 6 after the NPP-led coalition came to power in the state.

As he did not contest the February 27 assembly polls, his election to the state assembly is mandatory before September 6. The result of the by-poll will be declared on August 27.

"I am excited about the elections. Every election is tough and I hope that people of South Tura will give me an opportunity to be their MLA," he told reporters after filing the nomination papers.

He highlighted the need to improve infrastructure of Tura town, which he said is the "defacto headquarters" of Garo Hills division.

Before coming to the office of the deputy commissioner to file nominations, Conrad K Sangma visited the grave of his father, Purno A Sangma, to pay his respect.

The Election Commission has announced that bye-polls to South Tura and Ranikor assembly seats in the state will be held on August 23 and the results will be declared on August 27.