Shillong, Oct 1: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has decided not to field candidates for the bye-elections to the three Assembly seats – Mawryngkneng, Mawphlang and Rajabala – slated to be held on October 30.

“At this instance, I am not putting up any candidates neither from Mawryngkneng nor Mawphlang nor Rajabala,” NCP state president and Gambegre legislator, Saleng A Sangma, told reporters on Thursday.

Sangma said the decision taken is a mark of respect to the departed leaders and their bereaved families. “You have to respect the bereaved families,” he said adding that most of these families are likely to contest the polls.

Saleng may campaign for MDA partners

The NCP state president, however, said he may campaign for some of the MDA partners during the bye-elections.

“If the UDP or NPP ask me to campaign for them, I might since we are in the same team and since I am not putting up any candidates. I cannot deny it because good, bad, ugly, we are on the same boat. Being on the same ship, same government, I just might have to do it,” he added.

Urging the voters to exercise their franchise wisely on October 30, Sangma said, “People should think properly what is best for them and which party will benefit them in this one year. I won’t say vote for NPP or Congress but people should think properly and vote.”

Critics will always be there

On the Congress’ allegation that there is lack of governance under the MDA government, the NCP leader however said critics will always be there.

“Critics will come not only from the Congress even from the MDA partners for example the BJP one time was also criticizing. Even Hek who was once a Minister was also criticizing (the Government), even Mawrie was also complaining, even Rimpu was complaining,  so critics come from every corner…so being in the government you have to expect such kind of things,” he stated.