Shillong, Oct 16: The NPP on Tuesday said the TMC would be the main rival for the party in the bye-election to Gambegre assembly constituency in West Garo Hills district on November 13.
Welcoming the announcement of the date of bye-election by Election Commission of India (ECI), cabinet minister and National People’s Party (NPP) leader Marcuise Marak said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate could be their closest competitor of NPP’s Dr Mehtab Chandi A Sangma.
The seat fell vacant following election of the former MLA Saleng Sangma to Lok Sabha from Tura seat in the parliamentary election early this year.
Expressing confidence over NPP’s prospects, he said, “Our party leaders and candidate are working hard on the ground and we are confident of a good show.”
On Saleng Sangma’s claim of improving roads and infrastructure during his tenure as MLA of Gambegre, Marak countered, “The constituency was severely lacking in development, but our Chief Minister sanctioned several road projects after visiting the area. People are aware of these issues.”
He further highlighted the recent progress in the constituency, including the establishment of two new matriculation centres and improvement in road conditions and drinking water facilities.
“We are hopeful that people will recognize our efforts in addressing their long-standing needs,” he said.
Another NPP leader and cabinet minister Rakkam A Sangma echoed similar views, suggesting that the opposition Congress party faces an anti-incumbency in the constituency that was represented by Saleng Sangma for three times.
Vouching for Dr Mehtab Chandi A Sangma as the “best choice for Gambegre”, he said, “People of Gambegre are aware of the benefits of electing a representative from the ruling party.”
