Meghalaya: Congress Zeroing in on Jingjang M Marak as its Candidate for Gambegre By-Election?

Sangma emphasized that despite the presence of political heavyweights in the race, there is no competition for the Congress seat, stressing that the final decision lies with the people

The Meghalaya Congress is on the verge of finalizing Jingjang M Marak as its candidate for the upcoming Gambegre by-election. This decision appears nearly certain, as Marak is the sole aspirant who has submitted an application for the Congress ticket.

Saleng A Sangma, the Member of Parliament from Tura, in an exclusive interview with Northeast Live confirmed that the District Congress Committee (DCC) has already forwarded Marak’s name to the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), signaling broad party support.

He said, “The District Congress Committee (DCC) has already forwarded Marak’s name to the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC). Marak is the sole aspirant who has submitted an application for the seat”

Sangma emphasized that despite the presence of political heavyweights in the race, there is no competition for the Congress seat, stressing that the final decision lies with the people. He added that the selection of Marak was essentially unanimous within the party, and the youth Congress and other party workers appeared to be in agreement, indicating their support.

Meanwhile, the National People’s Party (NPP) has chosen Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, wife of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, as its candidate for the Gambegre seat. Saleng Sangma remarked that it is natural for a Chief Minister’s wife to support her spouse, although he downplayed the competition, reiterating that the voters hold the final say.

In another significant move, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has selected Sadiarani M Sangma, the wife of Zenith Sangma and the lone female Member of the District Council (MDC) from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), as their candidate for the by-election.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has yet to declare a candidate, although party insiders suggest that BJP state Vice President Bernard Marak might contest.

The Gambegre Assembly seat fell vacant after Saleng A Sangma, the sitting Congress legislator, won the Tura MP seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This by-election is seen as pivotal, with the outcome likely to influence the political dynamics of the state for years to come.

Also Read: Who Will be the Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya Assembly? Will it be Mukul Sangma?

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