Sangma refute Congress allegations on Rongjeng bypoll

Shillong, Dec 17 (UNI) NCP leader Purno A Sangma today refuted Congress' allegation that the party had taken help of ''underground elements'' in the recent bypoll to Rongjeng Assembly constituency in Meghalaya.

''The Congress should have lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission instead of making unfounded allegations,'' Mr Sangma told reporters here.

Recently, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee chief Onward L Nongtdu has alleged the elected NCP MLA from Rongjeng assembly constituency Desang M Sangma won the bypoll with the support of ''underground elements''.

On fielding Desang M Sangma, a former militant leader as the NCP candidate for the Rongjeng bypoll, the former Lok Sabha Speaker said Mr Desang had surrendered himself and was being granted amnesty by the Meghalaya government.

''He was no longer a criminal and today people have accepted him,'' the NCP leader said.

Mr Sangma said, ''Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga, a former militant leader is no criminal, instead he is one of the best Chief Ministers.'' UNI RRK PC YA RK1651