Shillong, Jan 16: Chief Minister and NPP national president Conrad K Sangma has expressed confidence that his party would emerge victorious in the autonomous district council (ADC) elections in Khasi and Jaintia Hills to be held on February 21.
“Every election is different, every election is tough, and there is no question of being over confident. We need to work hard and we are hopeful that things will be positive and we will win the ADC polls in KHADC and JHADC,” Sangma told reporters on Wednesday.
Informing about a review meeting held with the candidates for KHADC and JHADC polls, he said, “We got a positive response. But, of course, there are challenges and we have to work hard. Our candidates are at the grassroots even as we speak now.”
He also said the government is making all preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.
While not ruling out anti-incumbency, which “no government can avoid”, Sangma mentioned about a number of bills and other pending issues taken up by the present NPP-led EC in KHADC that were not taken up for long in the past.
He appreciated the KHADC for taking up innovative projects such as creating a database and documentation of Khasi culture and language.
Meanwhile, he said NPP had not undermined or overrated any opposition party ahead of the ADC polls.
“For us every single opposition is the same. Today all political parties – Congress, TMC, UDP, and coalition partners – are all working very hard. Therefore, I don’t think it is possible for us to say this is the main party… every opposition is strong and we will work hard,” he added.
Denying any formal support from the BJP to NPP in the ADC polls, he said, “I have no idea what they are planning to do or not do.”
