Tura, April 9: Former Lok Sabha speaker and National People’s Party candidate, Purno Agitok Sangma today toed a different line. He said, “I don’t expect any major role in the new government formation, NDA has enough and experienced people. I am happy that I will be part of the change”.
The entire election campaign for NPP was that BJP and NDA will for the next government and he (Purno) will be inducted in the cabinet.
On Narendra Modi’s chance as PM, Purno said, “Nobody can stop Modi from becoming a PM”.
He casted his ballot at Walbakgre Lower Primary School accompanied by his daughter, sitting MP Agatha K Sangma, wife Soradini K Sangma, legislator son, James K Sangma, former finance minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, daughter-in-laws, Jasmine Bonny A Sangma, Mehtab Chandee A Sangma and granddaughter, three years old Amara A Sangma at 11 am.
Purno, who began his campaign on a wheel-chair, was seen walking to the polling station without any support, accompanied by his daughter Agatha Sangma.
The first comment he made at the polling station before the media smiling was, “All have voted or what?”
His legislator son, James Sangma exercised his franchise at Dadenggre, the constituency he represent in Meghalaya assembly.
Congress candidate, Daryl William Momin casted his vote at Tura Government College, accompanied by his father, Fersen Momin, mother Muani Ch Momin and younger broth Issak William Momin.
Momin sounded very confident about his prospects as he said, “If I am voted, I will work to bring Garo hills in the forefront in the national arena. My core area of interest will be education, health and tourism”.
On the electioneering mood, Momin said, “It was a good experience; we did our best to tell the people, whom to vote. I am feeling proud and hoping for the best”.
He also extended best wishes to his counterpart, Purno Sangma.
When Purno was pointed about Momin’s best wish, he said, “He is a brilliant boy. I wish him good luck. But the need of the hour is different; I am contesting because of necessity”.
On fractured opinion amongst youth on Garoland demand, Purno said, “Educated youths are worried. I will ensure that employment opportunities are created within the existing state of Meghalaya and also press for a new statehood”.
In all polling stations across five districts, voters came out in large number from 7 am to exercise their right to vote. Tura town, which has seen low turnout in previous years, also saw huge participation.(SP News)
