The Lok Sabha MP from Tura, Saleng A. Sangma, has taken a jab at the NPP, stating that he is surprised to see that even the Chief Minister, the Speaker, ministers and MLAs have the time to visit every household in the Gambegre constituency to seek votes.
The by-election in Gambegre is scheduled on November 13.
Speaking to media, Saleng stated that the NPP’s extensive door-to-door campaign reflects its anxiety and fear of losing power. He added that he relies solely on the will of the people, adding that even Prime Minister Modi’s influence cannot surpass the power of the electorate in Garo Hills, where the BJP failed to secure a win in the last MLA election.
Saleng remarked that he was glad to see Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with the Speaker, government ministers, and MLAs, actively visiting villages in Gambegre—something he noted had not happened in decades. He stressed that whether the Congress wins or loses, but the coming of NPP leaders into Gambegre is a victory for the people, he sarcastically asserted.
Addressing the NPP’s claims that he had not contributed to the constituency during his tenure as MLA, Saleng questioned the achievements of the late NPP leader Purno A. Sangma, who held power in Garo Hills for 47 years. He suggested that Gambegre’s transformation during his tenure speaks for itself and said that the people of Gambegre would provide their answer.
Candidates contesting the by-election in Gambegre include wife of Conrad K. Sangma Mehtab Chandee Sangma as the NPP candidate; Bernard R. Marak of the BJP; MDC Sadhiarani M. Sangma of the TMC; Jingjang M. Marak of the Indian National Congress; and two independent candidates.
