NPP has better edge than other pol parties in the upcoming Gambegre bye-poll: Rakkam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 16, 2024

NPP leader and cabinet minister Rakkam A Sangma on Monday said the fight will be between the party and the opposition TMC in the upcoming Gambegre bye-election. 

According to him, the opposition Congress has no future in Garo Hills region. 

Speaking to reporters, Rakkam informed that he had attended over 9-10 campaigns held in different places of Gambegre. 

“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 that the NPP has a better edge than TMC and Congress, Rakkam said, “Congress does not have a future. Look three of their MLAs have joined the ruling NPP. I mean Congress has become emptied. So therefore I think there is no future and there is no hope for the Congress. Therefore, forget about others, their sitting MLAs joined and they shift to other party forget about people giving vote to Congress. It looks like NPP should and will have a better edge than any political parties.”

He also rubbished the allegations that developmental works have started very recently in Gambegre becuase of the upcoming bye election.

“Had it been bye-election in Siju we would have been talked about all the developmental projects that has been taken up. had it been bye-election in Tura this development would have been discussed. Since we are having bye-election in Gambegre, we only talk about Gambegre, it is our duty…Let us be factual people,” Rakkam said.

Asked about TMC, he said it is the people’s choice but now support for Congress is not there as you would expect.

“There are many who already joined with the NPP. These are also from TMC. They know voting for the Congress, they will be sitting in opposition and voting form TMC, they will be sitting in the opposition and voting for NPP they know they will get the share of development from the government,” the minister added.

Also referring to the BJP, Rakkam said that the saffron party too does not stand a chance in the upcoming bye election.

“In 2023, Prime Minister came to Tura for the election, do people voted 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. 

Rejecting the allegation of NPP practising dynasty politics, Rakkam said, “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.”

“It is not dynasty but giving the opportunity to serve the people better,” he added.