Meghalaya: Congress banks on Ampati to become single largest party in the state

AMPATI, May 23, 2018: The by-polls to the Ampati constituency has assumed significance for the Congress as its ambition of staking claim to form a government in Meghalaya depends on the outcome of the Ampati election.

Following the Karnataka fiasco where the BJP was invited to form a government by virtue of being the single largest party, Congress staked claim to form government in Manipur and Meghalaya and  is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the by polls slated for May 28.

Congress has fielded Mukul's daughter Miani D Shira as their candidate.

Congress had won 21 seats in the assembly polls recently however after vacating the Ampati seat, its number came down to 20.

National People's Party (NPP), on the other hand, had won 19 seats in the assembly polls. However the party increased its tally as it won the Willamnagar seat.

Congress leader in Meghalaya and former Minister Deborah Marak had stated that party will take a call only after the by-poll to Ampati constituency is over.

"At present the party leaders are busy with Ampati by-polls. However, we are going to take a call after the polls are over," said Marak.

Meghalaya's Revenue Minister Kyrmen Shylla on Tuesday addressed the people of Ampati constituency saying that the coalition with NPP, United Democratic Party (UDP) and other partners will last full term.

"Don't dare to even think of breaking our relationship with NPP and others. We will stand together and ensure progress and prosperity for Meghalaya", said Shylla addressing election rallies at Murchapani and Garabokmangre under Ampati constituency.

Shylla said that under the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma the people of Meghalaya have renewed their hope and aspirations and are looking forward that he will bring about positive change and development in the state.

"Meghalaya Democratic Alliance will stand united and together. All the regional parties have full support and faith in the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma. I assure that this relationship of the coalition will not just last five years but beyond," asserted Shylla.

He added that people were lucky to have a candidate like Clement G. Momin, who will be part of the new government. "The agenda of our Government is to create a new Meghalaya and why should the people of Ampati be left behind," Shylla added.

For the past one week, National People's Party (NPP) and its partners have been camping in Ampati constituency to woo voters to unite with NPP and break the Congress in Ampati, a stronghold of Mukul Sangma.

TNT with inputs from Nagaland Post