Tura, March 19: In a shocker to his supporters who have been backing him to the hilt, the sitting Betasing MDC Nripendra Koch has decided not to contest the polls and withdrawn his nomination in south West Garo Hills on the last day for withdrawal of nominations.
Along with him, two other candidates who filed their nomination papers, non-tribal candidate Abdus Sattar (Independent) from Zikzak constituency in South West Garo Hills district and regional party Garo National Council (GNC) candidate John Pillar A Sangma for Raksamgre MDC seat in West Garo Hills district have also withdrawn from the contest, today.
South West Garo Hills returning officer R K Chitturi informed that only two withdrawals took place putting the total number of candidates now in the contest at 22. There are four MDC seats in South West Garo Hills, namely Nogorpara, Boldamgre, Zikzak and Betasing.
Interestingly, there were no withdrawals from any of the aspiring candidates in South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and east Garo Hills districts.
The sudden and dramatic decision of a sitting MDC to withdraw from a political contest has set tongues rolling about a political upheaval in the upcoming contest for Betasing which is the bastion for Congress heavyweight and former chief minister Mukul Sangma and his family.
Nripendra Koch was elected in 2015 on a Congress ticket but switched sides to the NPP alliance, two years ago, earning the wrath of the Congress.
Although he did make attempts to return to the party he was denied the party ticket and decided to contest as an Independent until his withdrawal on Friday.
According to election officials, the final figure of contestants now stands at 182.
The district wise break up of contesting candidates are:
West Garo Hills: 89
East Garo Hills: 16
North Garo Hills: 23
South Garo Hills: 32
South-West Garo Hills: 22
District-wise break up of constituencies:
West Garo Hills- 13 seats
East Garo Hills- 3 seats
North Garo Hills- 4 seats
South Garo Hills- 5 seats
South West Garo Hills- 4 seats
