Shillong, Sept 17: The NPP today denied allegation of resorting to dynasty politics by fielding the chief minister’s wife in the Gambegre bye-election, which was necessitated by election of its Congress MLA Saleng A Sangma to the Lok Sabha recently.
“Who says dynasty? It is the choice of the people of Gambegre. The people come and request madam (CM’s wife) to be the candidate and the leadership has to listen,” said NPP leader and NPP leader and cabinet minister Rakkam A Sangma on Monday.
“It is not dynasty but giving the opportunity to serve the people better,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, he also said the Congress won’t be in the race in the bye-election where the main contest would be between the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The three key main candidates for Gambegre bye-election are – NPP’s Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, wife of chief minister Conrad Sangma; TMC’s Sadhiarani M Sangma, wife of former minister Zenith Sangma, who is the brother of TMC state chief and former chief minister Mukul Sangma; and Congress’ Jingjang Marak.
Stating that he had attended 9-10 campaign rallies in different places of Gambegre, Rakkam said, “It was very inspiring to see people coming out in support of the NPP but as of now it looks like the contest is between the NPP and the TMC,” he said.
Claiming NPP’s edge over TMC and Congress in Gambegre, Rakkam said, “Congress does not have a future. Three of their MLAs have joined the NPP.”
Referring to BJP, Rakkam said the saffron party too does not stand a chance in the upcoming bye-election.
“In 2023, Prime Minister came to Tura for the election. Did people vote for BJP? No, it is very dynamic, it is not about the party, it is something else but people have become wise, they know how to decide,” he said.
