Shillong: Campaigning for the October 30 bye-elections for filling up three Meghalaya assembly seats that fell vacant due to death of sitting legislators has picked up with leaders of both the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and opposition Congress a dressing the electorate to highlight their respective political points of view.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who is president of the NPP, addressed an election meeting at Bhajamara under Rajabala assembly constituency to drum up support for party candidate Abdus Saleh.
Sangma highlighted the various achievements of his government in developing the State. “Thank you Bhajamara for withstanding the rains to show your support for our party and our candidate,” he tweeted.
On the other hand, the opposition Congress has been critical of the style of functioning of the NPP-led ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) with party leaders pointing out the escalation in fuel prices, which have had a cascading effect on the cost of essential items.
Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and Lok Sabha member from Shillong, Vincent H Pala has exuded confidence that his party would retain two of the three seats and also bag the third one.
“As of today, I think we are winning all the seats. I am quite confident,” adding that the people were with the Congress. Meanwhile, all State government offices and educational institutions falling under 13-
Mawryngkneng (ST), 24-Mawphlang (ST) Assembly Constituency in East Khasi Hills District and 47-Rajabala Assembly Constituency in West Garo Hills District will remain closed on October 30 to enable voters to exercise their franchise in connection with the bye-election 2021 to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Employees working in other districts and are electors under the Constituencies will be granted special leave and every person employed in any trade, industrial undertaking or any of the establishment governed by N.I. Act, 1881, shops and those who work on shift basis, daily wagers and casual workers including those working outside the Constituency who are voters under the above Constituencies will be entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday on the day of the bye-elections, an official order specified.
