Meghalaya set for bypoll face-off
Election fever in Meghalaya is yet to die down as a war between the two of the most prominent political families of Garo Hills comes to a head.
Both former chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma and present CM Conrad Sangma are confident of winning the remaining two seats in the state which did not go to polls on May 1. One of the seats, Ampati, will go to the polls on May 28. Election dates for the last seat of South Tura are yet to be announced.
While the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) is buoyed by its thumping victory over the sitting Congress legislator Deborah C Marak and wresting the Williamnagar seat on May 1, the Congress is confident that Dr Sangma’s daughter Miani D Shira will retain Ampati. The seat was vacated by her father who chose to retain Songsak instead.
Though there are three candidates in the fray, including an Independent — Subhankar Koch, the showdown is a direct fight between Miani and NPP candidate Clement G Momin, a former school teacher.
The NPP has roped in its cabinet ministers from its coalition partnersintheMeghalayaDemocratic Alliance (MDA) as well as several senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including the saffron party’s incharge of Meghalaya Nalin Kohli.
Meghalaya ministers who have joined the campaign include deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Hamletson Dohling, Samling Malngiang, Banteidor Lyngdoh, Kyrmen Shylla and even state planning board chairman, Lambor Malngiang. Many more are en-route to reinforce the campaign.
The NPP campaign was further bolstered when Kyrmen Shylla, a minister from the United Democratic Party (UDP), announced that his party will support the NPP for the full term.
“Don’t dare to even think of breaking our relationship with NPP and others. We are not scared of Congress party. We will stand together and ensure progress and prosperity for Meghalaya,” he told a gathering at Murchapani and Garabokmangre under Ampati constituency on Tuesday.
Not to be deterred, the Congress has roped in its legislators including former speaker Charles Pyngrope, ex-minister PT Sawkmie as well as Mohendro Rapsang, George Lyngdoh, HM Shangpliang, Marthon Sangma, Noverfiled R Marakand and even Miani’s legislator mother Dikanchi D Shira so far besides a host of former MLAs.
From the national front, All India Mahila Congress president Sushmita Deb has taken to the stage so far in support of Miani.
Winning Ampati is crucial for both the NPP and Congress, who each have 20 legislators in the assembly.
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