BJP to support Conrad against Congress

SHILLONG, APR 26: BJP central leadership has decided not to put up any candidate for the upcoming May 16 Tura Lok Sabha bye-polls and instead support NPP candidate Conrad K  Sangma against Congress candidate Dikkanchi D Shira.

The state BJP informed that the central leadership took this decision to  tribute to late Purno Agitok Sangma, whom they described as a friend, and support his youngest son.

The bye-election was necessitated following the death of Purno A Sangma, who was a sitting MP from the constituency on March 4 earlier this year.

Purno’s youngest son Conrad K Sangma will be contesting against the ruling Congress candidate Dikkanchi D Shira, who is also the wife of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

The Meghalaya unit of the BJP therefore said it will abide by the direction of its central leadership, which held a meeting convened by its national president Amit Shah at Delhi on Tuesday evening.

Earlier, the BJP state leadership had recommended a list of at least three aspiring candidates to its party high command while seeking the approval to contest the bye-election.

“The central leadership has directed the state party not to contest but to extend full support to the NPP candidate Conrad K Sangma,” BJP state president Shibun Lyngdoh told reporters.

He said, “The decision by the central leadership was made as the seat was vacated following the demise of Purno A Sangma, who was a good friend and an ally of the NDA.”

In view of the direction, Lyngdoh said, “As a discipline party, we have decided to obey the decision and direction of our central leadership. We are ready to our support to Conrad.”

He said that the party leaders and workers would also be informed to extend their support and cooperation while adding what kind of support should be extended will be decided after consultation with the party high command.

When asked, Lyngdoh while refusing to admit any regret over the central leadership decision, however said, “It would have benefited the party if we had fight as it will invite more enrollments. I had visited Garo Hills four times and people want the BJP to come to the region.”

Stating that the bye-election was unexpected, he said, “As for now, we will just have to strike a balance and we are ready to cooperate with direction of the centre.”

Downplaying his own statement, the BJP state president however expressed optimism that the ruling Congress will be defeated with the party’s decision not to contest the upcoming bye-election.

Meanwhile, Lyngdoh said that the BJP will be fighting from all 24 constituencies in the forthcoming 2018 state assembly elections. He informed that the party is working towards this end.-By Our Reporter