The Gambegre by-election is shaping up to be an intense political showdown, with the Chief Ministers of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, and West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, set to be star campaigners for their respective parties. Scheduled for November 13, this high-stakes contest will see a dramatic face-off between the two regional heavyweights as they campaign vigorously for their candidates. Once again, it will be a Sangma versus Sangma battle, but this time, their wives will take center stage. The Gambegre by-polls will witness a fierce campaign with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his NPP leaders backing their candidate, while Dr. Mukul Sangma, Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister, along with his brother Zenith Sangma, will lead the charge for the TMC candidate. Who will have the last laugh?
Dr. Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, wife of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, is the National People’s Party (NPP) candidate, and the party is rallying around her with the promise that electing the Chief Minister’s wife would provide direct access to the state’s highest office. Backed by NPP leaders, Conrad Sangma’s presence is expected to boost his wife’s chances in retaining the seat.
On the other side, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has fielded Sadhiarani Sangma, wife of former Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, who is also the Leader of Opposition. The TMC has released an impressive list of star campaigners, including Mamata Banerjee, TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, and Mukul Sangma himself. Sadhiarani, a sitting member of the Garo Hills Autonomous Council (GHADC), is expected to mount a serious challenge, having contested the seat twice before.
The Gambegre seat has traditionally been a Congress stronghold, held by Saleng A. Sangma, who vacated it after winning the Tura MP election. Jingjang M. Marak is making his electoral debut as the Congress candidate, but despite the party’s historical dominance in the area, he is seen as a less formidable contender in this race.
Meanwhile, Bernard N. Marak, the BJP candidate and sitting MDC from Tura, also joins the fray. Although he is known for his leadership in Tura, his decision to contest in Gambegre has raised questions, with many wondering if he can replicate his success in a new constituency.
So far, six candidates have filed their nominations, including the NPP’s Mehtab Sangma, Congress’ Jingjang Marak, BJP’s Bernard Marak, TMC’s Sadhiarani Sangma, and two independents, Sengkrabirth Marak and Jerry Sangma. The final day for filing nominations is tomorrow, and the stage is set for a high-pitched election campaign.
While both the Congress and BJP candidates are expected to make efforts, the main contest is likely between the NPP and TMC. With the battle lines drawn between the two CMs and their star campaigners, Gambegre is set to witness a political clash that could reshape the political landscape of Meghalaya.