TURA, Feb 25: Angry over the party’s decision to deny their leader — Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) — a ticket to contest the upcoming council elections from the Siju constituency in South Garo Hills, supporters of Albiniush R. Marak have resigned from the National People’s Party (NPP), terming it a “humiliation” of their leader.
The CEM failed to make the cut when the party announced its list of candidates for the ensuing polls. Despite being the sitting MDC from Siju, he has been replaced by a new face — Calis G. Momin, the youngest son of former minister (Late) Lotsing A. Sangma.
The party has reportedly made “winnability” its main criterion for this election and, for the NPP, Marak did not figure in the list.
Supporters rallied behind the CEM at his bastion in Nangalbibra town of South Garo Hills, where members spoke out against the party for “abandoning” their leader, terming it nothing short of a betrayal.
“Who took the decision to deny the party ticket and on what grounds? Was any ground survey conducted, or was the decision taken by a small closed group that treats the party like its personal property in South Garo Hills?” several speakers questioned at the meeting.
The peeved supporters are seeking a response from the working president of the NPP, Marcuise N. Marak, on the decision to deny Albiniush Marak the party ticket.
Supporters of the CEM heaped praise on his loyalty to the NPP and its founder, (Late) P. A. Sangma, even claiming that he stood by the party during its lowest ebb when it was in its nascent stage.
“He (Albiniush) stood firmly by the vision of (Late) P. A. Sangma — from the days of the NCP, through the transition into the AITC, and finally the formation of the NPP. He didn’t abandon the movement when it was weak; rather, he strengthened it when it needed warriors. But that loyalty has today been repaid with humiliation,” supporters claimed.
Buoyed by support from well-wishers who have been urging him to take on the party leadership, the CEM appears adamant about contesting. With the NPP denying him a ticket, and the main opposition Congress party having already announced its candidate, Kartick R. Marak, for Siju, options are fast narrowing for the CEM.
He could move to the BJP or the Trinamool Congress camp — both of which are yet to announce candidates for the Siju seat — or contest as an Independent. He could also choose to sit it out and adhere to the party high command’s wishes. However, given the frayed tempers among his supporters, that currently does not appear to be an option for the outgoing GHADC chief.
