Rajabala, Oct 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP chief Conrad K Sangma has told voters that Rajabala by-election is crucial for the future of his party and Garo Hills because it is a semi-final taking place ahead of the 2023 state elections.

The chief minister on Friday campaigned at Gimegre area under Rajabala constituency to drum up support for party candidate Abdus Saleh along with party MLAs Rakkam Sangma of Siju-Rongara and Pongseng Marak of Bajengdoba besides MDCs from different parts of Garo Hills.

Campaigned at Gimegre under Rajabala Constituency for our candidate Abdus Saleh. Only NPP is capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the plain belt people. I urge them to help us fulfil our promises by supporting our candidate. pic.twitter.com/gWU5AyromM

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) October 22, 2021

Speaking at an election meeting in Gimegre under Rajabala constituency, NPP chief Conrad K Sangma praised NPP candidate Abdus Saleh, who had earlier won three terms from Mahendraganj constituency.Conrad said that the bye-election for Rajabala constituency is very crucial for NPP and the party is very serious about ensuring the victory of its candidate.

“This is not an election about Saleh or his opponent from the Congress. This election will decide the future of Garo Hills and our party,” thundered the chief minister.

Showing how important this by-election is, the chief minister has been camping in Rajabala for several days holding public meetings in different parts.

“It is for the first time a sitting chief minister has stationed himself for days in Rajabala and Batabari to lead the campaign. Look at history and see, it will show previous chief ministers, ministers and even candidates will land by helicopter or vehicle in daytime, hold meetings and go back to Tura at night. But I have placed myself here at Rajabala and Batabari so I can interact with the public and understand their issues. I am taking this election seriously,” the CM said.

He also urged voters to remain alert and not fall prey to opposition lies but instead come out in large numbers to vote for the NPP.

Siju-Rongara MLA Rakkam Sangma told the crowds that a victory for Abdus Saleh will strengthen the NPP further and appealed to voters to confidently go and cast their vote in favour of the party.“The NPP is a party founded by Garos and electing a candidate from the NPP will ensure that the pride of NPP is always held high. Abdus Saleh has worked with both tribals and other communities for three terms as an MLA. He has not differentiated against any community and his work has proven that he is ready for overall development of the constituency,” said Rakkam Sangma.