Tura, March 12: Thursday witnessed by far the highest number of candidates to file their nominations to join the contest for the April 12 GHADC elections in Garo Hills. A total of 30 candidates filed their papers including outgoing NPP Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dipul R Marak and Chairman Denang T Sangma.

In the breakup list, the NPP had 11 candidates filing their nominations, the Congress had 4, NCP 1, GNC 1, and a large group of 13 Independent candidates which included three non-tribals.

West Garo Hills, by virtue of having the largest number of MDC constituencies, also witnessed a record number of nominations filed on Thursday- as many as 14 nominations.

Those who filed their papers included outgoing CEM Dipul R Marak from his stronghold in Rochonpara constituency, a protest leader from the social organization Association for Democracy Empowerment Dalseng Bira Ch Momin as NCP candidate from Amongpara, and also three non-tribal candidates, Sole Ahmed from Balachanda, Jahangir Rahman Sarkar from Shyamnagar constituency and Aktar Ali from Zikzak.

In East Garo Hills, current Chairman of GHADC Denang T Sangma of the NPP along with executive member Brilliant R Sangma filed their nominations from Williamnagar and Samandagre, respectively.

The executive member from the current council EC Sukharam K Sangma of the NPP submitted his nomination to fight from his current constituency of Rongrong in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills.

In the Congress party, four selected party candidates of South-West Garo Hills district filed their nominations on Thursday. They are sitting MDC Stevie Marak from Boladamgre, Kansan Sangma from Nogorpara, Sanjay Koch from Betasing and Jagadish Ch Hajong from Zikzak.

There was also a Garo National Council (GNC) party candidate to file his nomination, Menthu M Marak, from Amongpara seat.

Among the Independent candidates who filed their nomination were former Congressman Grithalson N Arengh for the prestigious Tura seat and sitting MDC from Wagesik and former EM Sengnal N Sangma who was denied the NPP ticket, this time.

Others who filed nomination were, ex MDC Roynath D Sangma (NPP) from Batabari, Sanjip T Sangma (NPP) from Dengnakpara, Rakesh A Sangma (NPP) from Babelapara, Jumon B Marak (Independent) from Jengjal, Ningan Marak (Independent) from Asananggre, Arbinstone B Marak (Independent) from Rochonpara, Sotinson B Marak (Independent) from Raksamgre, Medison Marak (Independent) also from Raksamgre, Penindro M Sangma (Independent) from Siju, and Nathawal S Marak (Independent) from Wagesik.