Conrad, Dikkanchi file nomitions

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, April 27: The campaigning for the Tura by-poll slated for May 16 is heating up with the two main contenders for the Tura Lok Sabha seat tiol People Party’s (NPP) Conrad K Sangma and Congress’ Dikkanchi D Shira, filing their nomition papers in Tura today.

Moreover, to add spice to this contest, young Independent legislator from Siju-Rongara, Rophul S Marak has also thrown his hat into the ring. Marak has resigned as Parliamentary Secretary from the ruling Congress to contest the by-poll.

The nomition papers were filed before the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner who is also returning officer Pravin Bakshi for the bye-poll.

Shira, wife of Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma was the first to file the nomition papers. She was accompanied by her brother-in-law and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Zenith Sangma, Social Welfare Minister Deborah Marak and a host of Congress legislators from Garo Hills.

She is a first-time legislator representing Mahendraganj constituency in South West Garo Hills. She won her first election in the 2013 Assembly polls.

On the other hand, Conrad K Sangma, the younger son of former Lok Sabha Speaker, Late Purno Agitok Sangma was accompanied by his mother Soradini K Sangma, his wife- Dr Mehtab Chandee, elder brother James K Sangma, former Rajya Sabha MP Thomas Sangma and party workers.

Conrad is a former MLA from Selsella and was also fince minister of the state.

Meanwhile, former ANVC (B) leader, Panseng B. Marak (Panpan) has also decided to contest the by-election.

Marak who is a resident of Kharkhutta in North Garo Hills is a member of North Garo Hills Vigilance Forum.

While voting will be held on May 16, counting of votes will take place on May 19, together with the assembly elections held in Tamil du, Kerela, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry.

A notification in this regard will be issued on April 22, with April 29 as the last date for filing of nomitions. Nomition papers will be scrutinized on April 30 and withdrawal of candidature is on May 2.