TURA, MAY 16: The much awaited voting for the Tura Lok
Sabha bye-poll went off peacefully with 75 percent of voters turning out to cast their votes but the percentage of voting is likely after reports pours in from different polling stations located in far-flung places.
The National People’s Party (NPP) candidate Conrad K. Sangma clad in formal attire accompanied by his wife Mehtab Chandee and five-year-old daughter Amara arrived at Gandopara polling station under Selsella constituency of West Garo Hills to cast his vote at 9:10 am.
Conrad’s wife cast her vote at Forestilla polling station in Tura.
His brother James and his wife cast their votes at Dadenggre polling station, while former union minister and Conrad’s younger sister Agatha and mother Soradini cast their votes at Walbakgre polling station in Tura.
Congress candidate Dikkanchi D. Shira, draped in a traditional Dakmanda and a red top accompanied by her husband and Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma and daughter Miami arrived at the Chengkompara polling station under Ampati constituency of South West Garo Hills around 1:20 pm to cast their vote.
Grandson of founding chief minister of Meghalaya Captain Williamson Sangma, Daryl William Momin also accompanied Congress candidate Dikkanchi D. Shira.
Momin had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Garo strongman Purno Sangma. He cast his vote at Tura Government
College polling station.
Both the candidates- Conrad and Dikkanchi- expressed confidence of winning the prestigious Tura Lok Sabha bye-polls which was necessitated after the demise of former Lok Sabha speaker and NPP strongman Purno A Sangma who had represented the Tura seat for ten terms.
“It has been a hectic election. I am positive that the outcome will also be positive and hopeful that the people of Garo hills will give their mandate to NPP”, said Conrad after casting his vote.
Conrad’s opponent and Congress nominee Dikkanchi too said, “I am confident that people are convinced with my campaign and will vote for me.”
Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma expressed his appreciation to the electorates for coming out in large number to exercise their franchise. “The turnout demonstrates that people have faith in the democratic system. I am happy to see the trend and confident of Congress party’s victory”, he said.
The counting of votes will take place on May 19.
From early morning electorates came out to cast their votes. In many areas, the inclement weather posed challenge but people came out to vote bracing all odds.
The plain belt area of West Garo hills saw the highest turnout, which is expected to touch 80 per cent plus. The areas affected by militancy in East and South Garo Hills also witnessed a good turnout.
At Agalangre polling station in the outskirt of Tura, the presiding officer reportedly closed the booth before 4 pm. The returning officer has registered a complaint and an investigation is being carried out.
At least 10 EVMs were found to be malfunctioned, which were replaced. Seven were found to be faulty in West Garo hills, two in North Garo Hills and one in South West Garo Hills.-From Our Correspondent
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