A P Sangma returns to State politics

Tura (Meghalaya), Feb 28 : Former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Agitok Sangma, has returned to State politics to contest in the upcoming Assembly elections from his home constituency of Tura in Meghalaya.

After being in politics for almost after 30 years, Sangma who is National General Secretary of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), said he now wants to serve the people of his home state with the likelihood of no return to national politics.

"I have done enough for the country, I have fought alone to uphold the dignity and image of the nation, nobody else had the courage to fight. I have done enough, but I feel today, I have not done enough for my own people, who had elected me nine times, who have made me MP (Member of Parliament) for 30 years. Now, this is time that I repay to them. Therefore, I am coming back, no more going to Delhi (centre)," said Sangma.

Sangma is currently busy in campaigning for the Assembly polls scheduled on March 3rd and the results would be announced on March 8th.

He is contesting the elections along with his two sons Conard Sangma and James Sangma and is banking upon their loyalty in view of the frequent defections by politicians in the state in the past.

"In this era of 'aayaram' and 'gayaram' (frequent political party hoppers), I need some loyal people. Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) can leave the Chief Minister but sons cannot leave father. I want stability in the State," said Sangma.

The main contest in the State polls is between the National ruling Congress party, NCP and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The NCP and RJD are also part of the Union coalition but are not in a tie up at the State level.

With the Election Commission laying down strict rules regarding the usage of banners and posters during campaigning, Sangma distributed over 10,000 CDs as a part of his election campaign.

Over two million people, about half of them women, would decide the fate of 313 candidates for the 60 seat State Assembly.

ANI