TURA, OCT 23: Both independent candidate Jerry A Sangma and Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Sadiarani M Sangma filed their nominations on Wednesday for the 56-Gambegre bye-election 2024, scheduled to be held on November 13.
Accompanied by her husband, Zenith Sangma, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, and a large group of supporters, AITC candidate Sadhiarani M Sangma filed her nomination today for the Gambegre by-election.
Following her nomination, Sadhiarani expressed confidence in her chances despite stiff competition from NPP’s Mehtab Chandee Sangma, wife of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. “I am confident because the people of Gambegre love me, they will never leave me and will vote for me,” she declared. She accused the NPP of misusing government resources to sway voters, claiming, “The NPP is taking advantage of their poverty, distributing CGI sheets and money in a desperate attempt to win votes.”
This marks Sadhiarani’s third bid for the Gambegre seat, having narrowly lost in both 2018 and 2023. However, she remains optimistic, stating, “The contest is not with Saleng and the Congress but with the NPP.”
Sadhiarani highlighted poor road connectivity as the constituency’s most urgent issue. “If I am elected, I will definitely work on road connectivity,” she promised, explaining that over 50% of Gambegre lacks proper roads, severely affecting agriculture, healthcare, and everyday life. She also underscored the need for livelihood support for the constituency’s poor.
Former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma echoed her confidence, telling the media, “I have seen the love of the people for our candidate. There is a desire to unseat the present NPP-BJP government.” He further criticized the current government for “blatant irregularities” and a failure to create jobs, which has frustrated the state’s youth.
As more candidates including from Congress and NPP are expected to file their nominations, the Gambegre by-election is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race.