Shillong Sept 30: Independent candidate for the bye election to Shella constituency, Grace Mary Kharpuri said that she will emerge as winner in this bye election, and assured to look into the difficulties faced by women in the constituency and improve road connectivity, health services and education besides uplifting the economic condition of poor families.
Kharpuri had unsuccessfully contested from Shella in 2013.

“We will win this bye election and being the public representative for three terms as MDC of Nongskhen constituency I have full confidence,” Kharpuri said after filing her nominations as Independent candidate.

She lamented roads that are in dilapidated condition since 2013 till today and stated that Shella lacked behind in terms of development.

She also urged the voters of Shella to elect her who is the woman their MLA.

“In the past years, Shella has been electing men as MLA. I hope that in this bye election, the people of Shella will elect me as their MLA being a woman and mother,” Kharpuri said.

On Congress ticket being denied to her, Kharpuri said that losing Congress ticket was a blessing for her because now leaders and supporters mostly from Congress who have been with her and from other parties have supported her.

Whether she would be in the opposition or ruling, if elected as MLA, Kharpuri said, “I will be in the ruling so that we can bring more development to the constituency. I want to uplift the constituency and the people in all fronts from education to healthcare. There should be sub centres and dispensaries in villages which are yet to be connected by roads to help the people.”

On new district, Kharpuri said she supported the demand for creation of new district while stating that the government be prepared in terms of infrastructure before creating a new district.

She also assured that she would look into problems face by women especially single parent and find out ways and means to help them.

After filing her nominations, Kharpuri organized a meeting at Mawki Syiem locality and sought people’s support.

“There are many people who talk about backwardness only during elections. But I assure the people of Shella that I will always continue to fight for the development of the constituency so that we can bring change which will be for the betterment of our future generations and the society,” Kharpuri said.

Kharpuri’s husband, Donkupar Massar also accompanied her during the filing of nominations and addressed the meeting.