Tura, April 9: The voting for the Tura parliamentary seat was by and large peaceful. The overall percentage has been pegged at 70 per cent, said the Chief Electoral officer P Naik.
This brings to an end to the high voltage prestige battle between National People’s Party chief, Purno Agitok Sangma and Meghalaya chief minister, Mukul Sangma, who was all out campaigning for Congress candidate, Daryl William Momin, 27.
For Purno this was the last battle, but for young Momin it is the beginning of active career in politics.
The pleasant atmosphere in Tura set the mood right, with enthusiastic electorates turning up from 7 am to cast their votes.
There was a heavy down pour in different parts of Garo hills yesterday.
There are also reports of thunder storm from parts of Gambegre, Dalu and Rimrangpara. The details of damage have not been made available.
Sources in district administration say that adequate measures have been taken to ensure free and fair polling there.
“We have received inputs that people have come out in large number in affected areas. There is not much damage. We are trying to get more information. Due to connectivity issues, the information flow is slow”, said returning officer, Pravin Bakshi.
From 7 am, Tura town saw huge participation.
First time voters and youths, comprising about 40 per cent came out in large number across Garo hills.
Vanesa Sawkime, 18 a first time voter said, “It was a wonderful experience to vote. I have voted for my candidate and hopes he wins for change to happen”.
Administrator of Sheerwood School Bruce Beddoe said, “This is my last voting at Government Boy’s Higher Secondary School, as I have changed my address. It is a nostalgic feeling that next time, I will not be voting in this polling station”.
Muktadul Hussain, 25 a young voter, who cast his vote at Ringre Gittim Lower Primary School said, “I have voted with great expectation. I believe the candidate I have voted will work for greater interest of the nation and Garo hills”.
Retired Director of industries department, D K Arengh said, “We are hoping against hope, that this election will see a change in leadership. We are there to support our chosen candidate, who will work for the greater interest of an emerging Garo hills”.
Former Meghalaya minister, Kulert C Momin said, “Voting gives me the power to choose my candidate. I have cast my vote with great optimism. I feel that our vote will yield good result”.
Jayjeet Bhattacharya, 27, who cast his vote at Tura Government College said, “We want the new government to work for the interest of the youths. The new government should ensure that educated youths are given opportunities for employment”.
At Tolegre in South Garo Hills, militants blanked fired at about 10 am, however voting was peaceful there as well. No untoward incident has been reported.(SP News)
